New Mexico is a mountainous state with a striking appearance and natural charm. One of the longest rivers in America, the Rio Grande (3034 km), flows on its territory, and the ruins of ancient Indian settlements and ancient churches have been preserved here.
You will be delighted with the landscapes that open from the high mountains and form the basis of unique national parks and reserves. Rocky gorges, white deserts, and interesting plants attract visitors to the state like magnets, And running races in New Mexico are an outstanding chance to see all of this beauty.
5K Races in New Mexico
1. Run for the 1 in 100
Sep 17, 2022 – Saturday
5K, 2K run
Bernalillo, NM
The Run for the 1 in 100 will be held on September 17, 2022, at Sandia Lakes. This year, it will be hosted by the Lexiam Heart Foundation for the first time.
All proceeds will benefit children and families affected by congenital heart defects. There will be a 5K/2K Walk/Run, family-friendly activities, and a Remembrance Ceremony for our Heart Angels.
2. HERO Run
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Albuquerque, NM
The 4th Annual 5k Hero Run will be held on September 24, 2022. All proceeds from Hero Run benefit scholarships for A2A NM. Some of the proceeds will also benefit ACHR staff and members.
The New Mexico 5k run will be held at the UNM North Campus Golf Course. The run starts at 8 am and follows a picturesque path around the golf course for a fun 3.1-mile run or walk.
All runners will get a race t-shirt, a swag bag, and another few presents!
3. Wolf Pack Trail Run
Sep 25, 2022 – Sunday
5K, 3K trail run | kids run
Santa Fe, NM
The 8th Annual Wolf Pack Trail Run will be held on September 25th and is the only single-track race in town. The course starts and finishes at the picturesque Waldorf campus and runs a loop through the Arroyo Hondo Open Space.
All proceeds will benefit the SFWS Sports Booster Club, which helps the school’s athletic program.
10K Races in New Mexico
4. Bernalillo County Sugar Skull Fun Run
Albuquerque, NM
Oct 23, 2022 – Sunday
10K, 5K run
Albuquerque, NM
The 8th Annual Bernalillo County Sugar Skull Fun Run will be held on October 23, 2022. You can walk, jog, strut or stroll your way through the amazing Bosque.
Whether you decide to walk, jog or run to the finish line, the crowd will cheer you on in your Día de Los Muertos attire!
Dogs are welcome for the 1-mile strut and stroll. All proceeds will benefit the Bernalillo County Quality of Life Fund.
5. Great Balloon Chase
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Albuquerque, NM
The 5th Great Balloon Chase is hosted by RaceNM and includes Half Marathon, 10K, and 5k. It will be held on October 2, 2022.
You won’t find the same destination race! You will be excited by the beauty of a morning run looking upon hot air balloons from the world’s largest hot air ballooning event taking to the sky and backdropped against the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande River Valley.
The entry fee includes a Balloon Fiesta General Admission Ticket, a race T-shirt, a custom medal, and a 5th Anniversary Present!
6. Sandia Mountain Shadows Trail Run
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
10K, 5K trail run
Albuquerque, NM
The 18th Annual Sandia Mountain Shadows Trail Run will be held on October 2, 2022. Whether you choose the 10K or 5K, this run will be fun! You will see the picturesque views of the Rio Grande Valley, the City of Albuquerque, and the scenic foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
The race starts at the Piedra Lisa Park, east of Tramway and Menaul, heads into the Sandia Foothill trails, and finishes at the Piedra Lisa Park.
Runners in each Age Group and Overall Top male and female finishers will receive medals. All athletes will get a race T-shirt.
New Mexico Half Marathons
7. Chips & Salsa Half Marathon
Sep 11, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 10K, 5K run | kids run
Virtual Option
Albuquerque, NM
The 18th Annual Los Ranchos de Albuquerque New Mexico Chips and Salsa Half Marathon and 10K, 5K, + Kids K will be held on September 11, 2022. There is also a Virtual Option.
It is a fast and flat loop course through the amazing North Valley and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. There is no better time to visit Albuquerque! Enjoy the Fair, Old Town Salsa Fiesta, hot air balloons, and tasty hot chili.
There will be age group and overall awards with finisher medals for all half marathoners and race T-shirts for all participants! It is one of the best Albuquerque half marathons. So don’t miss it!
8. Santa Fe International Half Marathon
Oct 9, 2022 – Sunday
13.1M, 5K, 1M run
Santa Fe County
The Santa Fe International Half Marathon will be held on October 9, 2022, and celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor the cultures worldwide.
The course starts in the center of Santa Fe at historic Fort Marcy. Then the point-to-point road follows the Old Taos Highway and finishes at the beautiful Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino within the Pojoaque Pueblo.
It is a USATF-certified course that features scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez mountains while going into the colorful Rio Grande Valley.
9. State 47 Las Cruces Marathon
Jan 7, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K, 1K run
Las Cruces, NM
The State 47 Las Cruces Marathon will be held on January 7, 2023. It is a flat, fast and fun course along the scenic Organ Mountains and through the picturesque Las Cruces pecan orchards.
The out and back course offers mixed terrain – pathways, roads, and gravel.
New Mexico Marathons
10. Duke City Marathon
Oct 16, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run
Albuquerque, NM
The Duke City Marathon will be held on October 16, 2022. The course starts at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque.
Since 1984, the Duke City Marathon has been hosting seven races: A marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K Run, 10K Walk, 5K Run, and a 5K Walk. So everybody can find something for themself.
The top runners in each Age Group and Category will receive awards.
Each entry includes a moisture-wicking Long Sleeve T-shirt, a Finishers medal, race bib, post-race refreshments, and a post-race festival.
11. Feral Hog 50k
Oct 8, 2022 – Saturday
50K trail run
Santa Fe County
The Feral Hog 50k has officially migrated to America’s southwest and will be held on October 8, 2022. So come and participate in this Santa Fe ultra marathon!
The trail run starts at the Cowboy Shack Trailhead. There are no real big climbs but lots of ups and downs that some might call a grinder.
Out of state? Bring the family and come early for the New Mexico Balloon Festival and then stay for the hog!
12. Bataan Memorial Death March
Mar 19, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M run
White Sands, NM
The Bataan Memorial Death March will be held on March 19, 2023, and is a challenging run through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is hosted in honor of the heroic militaries who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II.
On the 26.2-mile course, the route goes northwest from Water Point 4/8, along a small mountain known as Mineral Hill. Returning to Water Station 4/8, marathoners run south along the paved road. The course goes west along dirt and sand trails and returns to the finish line.
