Albuquerque Running Fiesta

The Albuquerque Running Fiesta is a marathon, half marathon, and 5K held on the same November morning through downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. Created by local runners and organizers after four years of planning, the event launched its inaugural edition in 2025 and returns for a second year on November 1, 2026. All three races start and finish at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. The marathon course is USATF-certified and Boston Marathon qualifying, with a total elevation gain of just 51 feet -- organizers bill it as one of the flattest marathon courses anywhere. The route follows sections of historic Route 66, winds through Old Town Albuquerque, and traces the Rio Grande Bosque trails before passing through the North Valley and Los Ranchos, with views of the Sandia Mountains along the way. The race weekend closes with a post-race festival at the finish line featuring live music, local vendors, a recovery zone, and a beer garden. Packet pickup is held the day before at a downtown hotel. The 2025 debut drew 134 marathon finishers plus half marathon and 5K fields, and was well received for its organization, scenery, and festival atmosphere -- a strong start for a race intended to become New Mexico's signature running weekend.