Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon
Albuquerque's Running Fiesta pairs a downtown festival weekend with one of the flattest certified marathon courses anywhere, about 51 feet of gain.
Quick facts
- USATF-certified course usable for Boston qualifying times.
- About 51 feet of total elevation gain, though the 5,000-foot altitude still matters.
- Downtown start and finish with a post-race festival and beer garden.
- Course passes Route 66, Old Town, and the Rio Grande Bosque.
About the Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon
The Running Fiesta is a young, locally organized Albuquerque race built around a downtown start, a post-race festival, and an aggressively flat course. The route strings together Route 66, Old Town, the Bosque trails, and Los Ranchos, and the whole weekend leans into local music and food.
Course
From downtown, the marathon moves through Old Town and onto Bosque trails along the Rio Grande before working through the North Valley and Los Ranchos. Total elevation gain is about 51 feet, which makes this one of the flattest certified marathon courses in the country. At 5,000 feet, altitude is the challenge, not hills.
Race-day weather
Early November mornings in Albuquerque often start near freezing and warm into the 50s under dry, sunny skies. The cold start rewards throwaway layers, and the dry air makes it easy to underdrink.
Past Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon FAQ
When is the Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon?
The 2026 Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon is on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Is Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Albuquerque Running Fiesta Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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