
Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
Albuquerque's Great Balloon Chase offers a unique half marathon alongside the world's largest ballooning event.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,630
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Great Balloon Chase in Albuquerque offers a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. This event draws runners with the unique spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring overhead.
The course, set against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River Valley, promises stunning scenery. Runners can expect a flat, road-based course that is conducive to fast times. With a median field size of around 843 finishers and a growing trend, the race fosters a sense of community and shared experience.
Participants receive a medal and T-shirt, with the first 1,000 registrants also getting a commemorative jacket. It's described as a destination race and a unique experience, aiming to create unforgettable memories for all participants.
Race-provided description
🎈 The Great Balloon Chase Rise to the Run! A destination race celebrating the magic of hot air balloons and the thrill of running
🎉 10th Anniversary Celebration! 🎉 The first 1,000 registrants will receive an exclusive commemorative jacket!
RaceNM proudly presents the Great Balloon Chase—available in a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Get ready for the most breathtaking run of your life! Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run.
Why This Race Is a Must-Do 🌄 Unparalleled Scenery Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hot air balloons from the world's largest ballooning event soaring above you as you run!
⛰️ Stunning Backdrop Race against the majestic Sandia Mountains and the picturesque Rio Grande River Valley. It's like running through a postcard!
🏃 Choose Your Challenge Whether you're aiming for a half marathon, a swift 10K, or a fun 5K, we've got the perfect distance for you.
✨ Unique Experience There's no other race that combines the thrill of running with the magic of hot air balloons. It's a bucket-list-worthy event!
📸 Unforgettable Memories From the starting gun to the finish line, every moment will be Instagram-worthy and etched in your memory forever.
Don't Wait to Register! Early birds get the worm... and the perks!
Register Now
✓ Secure your preferred shirt size (late registrants may have limited options) ✓ Guarantee your spot in this popular event ✓ Ensure you receive the standard finisher's medal (late registrants may receive a slightly different but equally awesome design)
Join Us for an Extraordinary Morning Run Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 5K-er, the Great Balloon Chase offers an experience you won't find anywhere else. It's more than a race—it's an adventure, a challenge, and a celebration all rolled into one unforgettable event. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of something truly special. Lace up your shoes, set your sights high, and chase those balloons!
Important Notes • Registration closes when capacity is reached. Early registration is highly recommended to secure your spot and all race perks.• This event is not affiliated with any other hot air balloon event.• While we strive to provide an amazing balloon-viewing experience, please note that the presence of hot air balloons during the race cannot be guaranteed due to weather conditions and other factors beyond our control.• Regardless of balloon activity, we promise an incredible race experience with stunning views and a festive atmosphere!
Join us for this unique destination event that captures the magical spirit of New Mexico's hot air ballooning tradition, combines it with the thrill of running, and showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Land of Enchantment's diverse landscapes!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Medial, T-Shirt & More
Start Location
6000 Los Poblanos Feild Trail, Albuquerque, NM, 87107
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
5 years running
~843 finishers a year
growing or steady
2% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:22:25
typical high 77°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
55°
Afternoon (High)
77°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
42%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,630 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,630
Median time
2:23:37
Latest turnout
465
States
49
Turnout by year
2021–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon?
The Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon take place?
It takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
What distances does the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K.
Is the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,630 runners who have completed the Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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