Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026
Ruidoso Runfest brings a weekend of running, music, and local flavor to New Mexico.
Race Date
Sep 18, 2026
Location
Ruidoso, NM
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, September 18, 2026
- Location
- Ruidoso, New Mexico
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 798
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Ruidoso Runfest transforms the mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, into a vibrant hub for runners and families. This multi-day event, now in its 6th year, offers a variety of distances, including a half marathon, marathon, and a unique 50K ultra, alongside shorter 5K and 1K options for younger participants.
Saturday's half marathon course is a fast, certified road race with minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. The event boasts a growing field, with recent editions seeing nearly 500 finishers, drawing participants from around 12 states. The atmosphere is festive, featuring local bands, food trucks, and a beer garden, creating a true community celebration. Runners can expect a well-organized event with a T-shirt giveaway and a standout finisher medal, culminating in a lively post-race festival.
Race-provided description
NEW 20246 Race Date September 18-19, 2026 2026 Race Registration Click Here RUIDOSO RUNFEST PHOTOS Click on this link to view photos from the 2025 event Web Gallery
Join us for the 2nd annual Ruidoso Runfest where the weekend will include running, local bands, food trucks, and Downshift Brewing Company beer garden. This will be a family-friendly weekend hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation dept. Friday night kicks off the weekend with the Pizza Hut 5K and Kids 1K fun run. Finish line at Wingfield Park will host the awards for 5K along with music, post-race food, and a beer garden. NEW Race Date September 18-19, 2026 NEW REGISTRATION LINK FOR 2026 Click Here
Saturday's events include the 6th running of the Ruidoso Marathon and Half Marathon, and in its 2nd year, the State-Forty-Seven Road 47K/50K presented by Bluebird Running. This is a 47K run for overall and age group awards. For those wanting to complete a true ultra 50K distance, we have an additional loop that needs to be completed by 2 pm. This is New Mexico's only premier road 50K. Saturday will include a festival-like atmosphere with awards, post-race food, a band, a beer garden, food trucks, and bear carving. Don't miss this weekend and book your rooms early! NEW Race Date September 18-19, 2026 NEW REGISTRATION LINK FOR 2026 Click Here
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, September 18, 2026
Start Time
6:00 PM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Wingfield Park, Ruidoso, NM, 88355
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Solid Pick516 years running
~220 finishers a year
growing or steady
8% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 12 states
winner 1:24:37
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
58%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 798 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
798
Median time
2:20:49
Latest turnout
258
States
20
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026?
The Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 is held on Friday, September 18, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM.
Where does the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 take place?
It takes place in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
What distances does the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 course flat and good for a PR?
The Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026?
HalfRuns has finish records for 798 runners who have completed the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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