Duke City Marathon
The Lowdown
The Duke City Marathon has brought runners through Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1984, making it one of the longest-running marathons in the Southwest. The USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying course starts and finishes at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque and follows an out-and-back route along the Paseo del Bosque Trail beside the Rio Grande, passing through the Village of Los Ranchos, Old Town Albuquerque, and a stretch of Historic Route 66. The route climbs gently for the first 12 miles before a steeper push to the turnaround, then returns net-downhill to the finish, all at roughly 5,000 feet of altitude. Race weekend also includes a Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Registration includes a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt, a commemorative race coin, and a finisher medal, with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Mexico.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Historic Route 66
Paseo del Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande
Old Town Albuquerque
Village of Los Ranchos
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Open to all ages; wheelchair division offered
Required Documents
- Photo ID for race packet pickup
Entry Methods
- Online registration via dukecitymarathon.com
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds; bib transfer to another runner allowed for a $20 fee
Held annually since 1984; one of the longest-running marathons in the Southwest.
Course runs at approximately 5,000 feet of elevation, notable for high-altitude effects on pace.
Title sponsor is Big 5 Sporting Goods; the race benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Mexico.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

