Rio Grande Half Marathon
New Mexico's USATF half marathon championship runs flat and early from Balloon Fiesta Park, past bosque cottonwoods with the Sandias on the skyline.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked July 27, 2026.
Quick facts
- USATF New Mexico half marathon championship race.
- Flat Rio Grande corridor course at roughly 5,000 feet of altitude.
- Pre-dawn start, with aid stations about every 1.5 miles.
- Half marathon and a 5K share the Balloon Fiesta Park start area.
2026 Rio Grande Half Marathon registration
Registration for the 2026 Rio Grande Half Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Rio Grande Half Marathon
This is the race New Mexico runners use to open the fall season. It carries USATF state championship status for the half, which pulls in a faster local front group than the summer date would suggest, and it doubles as an early tune-up for autumn marathons.
Course
The route leaves Balloon Fiesta Park and works along the Rio Grande corridor, staying flat enough that pacing comes down to altitude and heat rather than terrain. Aid comes roughly every 1.5 miles, which matters at about 5,000 feet.
Race-day weather
An early August start before dawn keeps the worst of the desert heat away, but monsoon-season humidity can linger and the sun climbs fast. Thin air at altitude is the bigger factor for visiting runners.
Past Rio Grande Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, August 9, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Rio Grande Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Rio Grande Half Marathon?
The 2026 Rio Grande Half Marathon is on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
How do I register for the Rio Grande Half Marathon?
Register for the Rio Grande Half Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/rio-grande-half-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
Send Marathon Scout an official race update
Send us confirmed dates, registration links, results, live tracking, or course changes. Include the source link so runners can reach the right information.