Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon
Scheduled against Balloon Fiesta week, this flat Rio Grande valley half starts at Los Poblanos Fields with hot air balloons filling the sky overhead.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 28, 2026.
Quick facts
- Flat course on open space and paved multiuse trail beside the Rio Grande.
- The 7 a.m. start is set to line up with Balloon Fiesta mass ascension.
- Half marathon field runs in the several hundreds, large for a New Mexico half.
- Course sits near 5,000 feet, worth a pacing adjustment for sea level runners.
2026 Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon
RaceNM times this race to overlap with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is the entire reason to run it. The early start puts the field on the trail while the mass ascension is still going up over the Sandias, and the half draws several hundred finishers most years.
Course
Start and finish are at Los Poblanos Fields Open Space in the North Valley. The route leaves the field and picks up the paved multiuse trail alongside the Rio Grande bosque, which keeps things flat and quick by New Mexico standards. Altitude near 5,000 feet is the main adjustment for visitors.
Race-day weather
Albuquerque mornings in early October are cold and dry at the gun and warm fast once the sun is up. Low humidity and thin high desert air make fluid planning matter more than the thermometer.
Past Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, October 4, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon?
The 2026 Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon is on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
How do I register for the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon?
Register for the Great Balloon Chase Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/great-balloon-chase-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
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