ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA
Albuquerque Running Fiesta offers a scenic half through downtown with mountain views.
Race Date
Nov 1, 2026
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its second year, the Albuquerque Running Fiesta brings about 300 runners to the heart of New Mexico for a half marathon that blends urban energy with Southwest scenery. The course winds through downtown Albuquerque, passing landmarks like Route 66 and the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains rising in the distance. This is a city run with a view, not a mountain race—flat terrain keeps the focus on the sights and the pace.
The small field (around 307 finishers from 31 states this year) creates an intimate, community-driven feel. The event is locally organized and gives back to the city. After crossing the finish line, runners enter a full-blown fiesta: live music, local food, a recovery zone, and a beer garden. Every participant gets a custom shirt and a premium finisher medal. With chip timing, age-group awards, and a well-supported course, it’s a well-packaged weekend race that punches above its size.
Race-provided description
Join us for the 2nd Annual Running Fiesta, featuring a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K. Runners follow a scenic course through downtown Albuquerque, past iconic spots like Route 66, the Rio Grande, and with views of the Sandia Mountains. Organized locally, gives back to the community, and wraps up with a lively post-race festival, complete with live music, vendors, a recovery zone, and a beer garden. Every participant receives: Premium Fiesta Finisher MedalCustom-designed High-quality Event ShirtOfficial Race Bib - option to have it personalized (if registered before deadline)Course SupportAid stations, medical, police support, cheer teams & volunteers all the wayFiesta Finish-Line CelebrationMusic, culture, local food, beverages, and amazing vibesRace Timing & Live TrackingProfessionally chip-timed results with age-group awardsExclusive Discounts & Partner OffersLifetime Memories
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Shirt
Start Location
Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM, 87104
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Mountain
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick441 year running
~307 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 31 states
winner 1:11:21
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
40°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
34%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA?
The ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA is held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA take place?
It takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What distances does the ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA course flat and good for a PR?
The ALBUQUERQUE RUNNING FIESTA is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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