Duke City Marathon
Albuquerque, NM
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Ranked as one of the Top 25 Marathons in the world, the Duke City Marathon is New Mexico’s premier racing event and a Boston Marathon Qualifier. The Duke City Marathon course starts at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza, the civic center of Albuquerque. Harry Kinney was Albuquerque’s mayor in 1984, and … MORE
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Flat course. Lacking course essentials
Overall, the full marathon race was fine. It is an out & back. A little repetitive on the way back. No corrals at the start. You run approx.. 2 miles … MORE
Overall, the full marathon race was fine. It is an out & back. A little repetitive on the way back. No corrals at the start. You run approx.. 2 miles downtown/city before running along the paved trail next to the Rio Grande. You don’t get to see the river much, but the trees were beautiful. Also, you do get to see Hot Air Balloons in the distance. Even though it is a flat course approx.. between miles 12-14 it is rolling hills, much more than I excepted. The city section of the race was blocked off, but the paved trail was open for others use. We only incurred one upset cyclist. Otherwise, everyone not in the race was pretty nice. Crowd support is pretty low. There were about 500 full marathoners. More people completed the half.
Fuel/Water: They had plenty of water/Gatorade stations. However, for anyone that plans to finish in over 5 hours a couple of their water/Gatorade stations were bone dry. I suggest bringing your own water. Also, have a post race fuel plan. They had a slice of bread and an apple. We were staying at the DoubleTree a block away from the start & finish, so we were able to grab food and drinks.
Bathrooms: Porta potties around miles 0, 2, 6, 20 & 24. Many men taking a break in the bushes along the paved trail since there is a long gap between 6 and 20.
I completed as a training marathon. I was just out there to have a good time. I would suggest this course for half marathoners.
Out and Back Course; Friendly People
The Big 5 Duke City Marathon is an option for a NM race. The flat course is bonus for those traveling from sea level. Although it is flat, be prepared … MORE
The Big 5 Duke City Marathon is an option for a NM race. The flat course is bonus for those traveling from sea level. Although it is flat, be prepared for some overpass/underpass ascents and descents in miles 11-14. The challenge for me was the many miles on the paved trail on the way back since the field of marathoners was spread out. Additionally, I was very surprised how few runners talked with each other, particularly those near the 4-hour pacer group. The pacer had headphones in for the for first 11 miles, so there was not encouragement to be had.
The finisher food was abysmal – dry whole wheat bread, apples, and water. I assume the bananas were eaten prior to my return, but as a middle of the pack marathoner, I would suggest there was inadequate supply.
The best part of the race, including the expo, was the friendliness of the volunteers. They took pride in their tasks and were helpful.
Duke City revisited
Never got our bibs in the mail even though we had the mail out option. We live 3 hours away so we had to go to expo to get bibs … MORE
Never got our bibs in the mail even though we had the mail out option. We live 3 hours away so we had to go to expo to get bibs and shirts. No explanation provided from the race.
Course was same as last year but I did the Half this year and the full last year.
Bananas and Apples were at the finish line. Hard to find water or electrolytes at the finish line. Brought my own due to last year and it was in the car very cold. Parking was 10.00 a car at the civic center.
Good smaller venue race
Overall this was an enjoyable race and I would consider running it again. I chose this race as my Half for New Mexico. Albuquerque was a nice city with a … MORE
Overall this was an enjoyable race and I would consider running it again. I chose this race as my Half for New Mexico. Albuquerque was a nice city with a good downtown area.
Packet pickup at the health expo worked well. The expo was small compared to other larger cities like Dallas, Chicago, etc. It was smaller than other smaller venues like Little Rock as well. The race shirt was a nice long-sleeve performance shirt. You also get a souvenir race coin in a nice box which was a nice keepsake.
Race coordination was well done in my opinion. I had a chance to introduce myself to the Race Director, Burt and mention I was an Ambassador for RaceRaves. The one thing that bothered me about the race coordination was the initial race lineup and start. It was in a small cramped area between the finisher row, porta potties and bag check. I would highly recommend the race staff move the bag check to somewhere else and let the runners line up further along 3rd street.
The race itself was good. It starts out in downtown and leads out from there. It was pretty cool running through downtown, right now old Route 66. The paved path next to the Rio Grande river was very nice, very flat and easy. It would have been nice to have views of the river itself instead of just a side channel. Water stations were well manned and fully stocked. No additional supplements than the normal water and Gatorade, which was fine for me.
Very Unfriendly for Back of the Packer
Race was ok for first 13.1 and last 13.1 turned into a hot mess. No gels and hot water for second half Bicyclers were aggressive and purposely ran runners off … MORE
Race was ok for first 13.1 and last 13.1 turned into a hot mess.
No gels and hot water for second half
Bicyclers were aggressive and purposely ran runners off course
No food or cold water at finish.
After 6 hours roads were not patrolled and cars were on the course.
Decent race, nice area and weather
So my big complaint about this event would be that I missed a cutoff from the Half course, and ended up running additional mileage on the 10K course, which trashed … MORE
So my big complaint about this event would be that I missed a cutoff from the Half course, and ended up running additional mileage on the 10K course, which trashed my official time for the Half. Very disappointed and frustrated I ended up just walking once I got 13.1 on my personal device. An additional 1.5-2 miles of walking to the finish line. Really pissed my good half time was unofficial and not recorded as a true finish time. Multiple events share parts of the same course and start 15 minutes apart. That congestion, and a volunteer that didn’t direct me the right direction, or adequate signage, really frustrated me! Otherwise the rest of the event is pretty good. Definitely could use more porta potties near the start line! Long lines before race start for those. Expo was good, event course was streets and a lot of paved walking/biking trails. Somewhat scenic. Weather was very good. Finisher medal was pretty nice. I left quickly after the race to shower and get checked out of my hotel in time. So didn’t really experience the post race stuff or food. Overall is was a great out of state trip for me to NM. I very much enjoyed Albuquerque, Santa Fe, sightseeing, and hiking during my trip.
flat and sunny in NM
With multiple distances starting within 15 mins of each other and no corrals, the start line can get a little crazy but once you get going, it thins out quickly. … MORE
With multiple distances starting within 15 mins of each other and no corrals, the start line can get a little crazy but once you get going, it thins out quickly. After the first few miles on city streets, the course moves onto a paved hike/bike trail following a stream. This can make it difficult for spectators to come out so keep your personal cheering section closer to the start/finish.
flat fall course
Ran this course as my 2nd 1/2 marathon course. I live in ABQ, so all my training was completed at elevation. The course itself was flat and well maintained. My … MORE
Ran this course as my 2nd 1/2 marathon course. I live in ABQ, so all my training was completed at elevation. The course itself was flat and well maintained. My time was slower than courses completed at lower elevation. I loved the course through the neighborhoods and along the Bosque. Beautiful views of the changing fall colors on the cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande. The volunteers did a great job with consistent water/gatorade stations throughout the course. Only things I would change would be (1) add more free parking options and (2) open more bathrooms before the race [there were only 5-10 stalls for women]. Also I wish there was more energy at this event, it’s kinda a sleepy race— hard to get that race day adrenaline.
Nice course, Finish Line Needs Improveme
The course is well described on the website. It's a very slight, barely noticeable uphill on the Bosque Trail, then it turns on the Paseo Trail which is welcome rolling … MORE
The course is well described on the website. It’s a very slight, barely noticeable uphill on the Bosque Trail, then it turns on the Paseo Trail which is welcome rolling hills at that point. Then the turn around, rolling hills back to the Bosque, past Tingley Park and back to the finish line. It’s an out and back. You do have to deal with half marathoners until they get to their turn around but once they turn around it’s pretty open. Overall it’s a good course. Finish line left a lot to be desired! I finished just after 5 hours and was offered warm water, a slice of bread and an apple. That was probably the biggest ‘con’ of the race.
If you look flat.,
I signed for this race on a win and I have learned my lesson. Do not read what the race director writes as it is fluff and review what you … MORE
I signed for this race on a win and I have learned my lesson. Do not read what the race director writes as it is fluff and review what you write. I wish I had read the one where the runner said he would not repeat. The race had great communication when I asked about water stations and gu. There were plenty of water stations with great volunteers and I packed two gu as there would be done on the course . The half started on time and it was flat and you ran on streets and some trails. This meant I had to spend less time weaving in and out. This was the 40th so you had your choose of red or yellow shirts and you got a special coin for running. They had a small expo which is a surprise now and they did have pacers – for half for folks running 2-00 and 2:15. The post race was not much to write home about and they must not be reading our reviews as there was water, slice of bread , banana, and apple. Because I have run so many races , I assumed the beer would be free . Now I know to look at my bib and no beer tickets means you pay for the beer. The price was great for the race and if you don’t rank swag when you pick a race, this is for you. The suggested hotel was right across from the starting line, I liked the course and the weather was hreat
Nice river run, but altitude was tough
Most of the run is along the river which was very scenic and flat. There was water and gatorade every mile, but not a lot of spectators or other support. … MORE
Most of the run is along the river which was very scenic and flat. There was water and gatorade every mile, but not a lot of spectators or other support.
I didn’t think 5000 ft of elevation would be a big deal even though I live and train at sea level. However, it was much more of an impact on me than just slowing me down a little. My heart rate was over 90% from the very start of the race and by mile 10 I was getting light headed and tunnel vision. I needed to walk much of the middle of the race as a result.
My advice to any other flat landers coming in for this race is to take the time to acclimate and do a better job than I did at listening to your body through the race.
A view from the back of the pack
Nice, well run event. Course begins in downtown and migrates out to a multi-use concrete trail, out and back. The volunteers and support stations were plentiful. I only saw 1 … MORE
Nice, well run event. Course begins in downtown and migrates out to a multi-use concrete trail, out and back. The volunteers and support stations were plentiful. I only saw 1 porta-potty stop on the course. The host hotel is conveniently located steps to the starting line. Pre-run gives full access to the convention center and numerous restrooms. No serious negatives. Like most races, only water and beer available which for non-drinkers is disappointing. Happy to do the event as a destination run but would probably go elsewhere in the future for a destination run.
Great run and nice hiking in New Mexico
My first time in New Mexico so I wanted to explore a bit before the race. New Mexico has many hikes in the Albuquerque area and all were fantastic, but … MORE
My first time in New Mexico so I wanted to explore a bit before the race. New Mexico has many hikes in the Albuquerque area and all were fantastic, but to the race… Enjoyable HM course. No hills and plenty of scenery. Worth running for sure. Expo and post race activities/food was good as well. Stress free from a person traveling to the race.
Mediocre at best
Course was flat and fast, out and back Expo and packet pick up was easy with plenty of options. No signage to let know where to go or if you … MORE
Course was flat and fast, out and back
Expo and packet pick up was easy with plenty of options. No signage to let know where to go or if you were in the right place.
Staff and volunteers were helpful.
Aid stations had water and Gatorade, and there was an ample amount of them. I did not see any gels or nutrition.
Nice medal and shirt for swag
Post races was seriously lacking for a race event with around 2,000 runners, with apples, bananas, and wheat bread.
Overall a okay race, but would not not run again.
Convenient and straightforward
This race is in Albuquerque, and has a lot of locals and fifty staters running. I wish I had stayed in the host hotel—parking was needlessly confusing, for a small … MORE
This race is in Albuquerque, and has a lot of locals and fifty staters running. I wish I had stayed in the host hotel—parking was needlessly confusing, for a small “city” and getting from the parking garage ($10) to the start was a maze through event spaces without signs.
The good news—we could wait inside this warm building with flush toilets before the start. Race started on time, with different events starting after the full.
As you can see from the course map, it’s 13.1 miles out and back; ten of those miles are on a bike path with water and Gatorade every couple of miles. No portapotties except at the start and maybe mile 2/24. The web site said there would be one at the turn around but there wasn’t. Fine for the boys… no gu.
The weather was windy and overcast but not as rainy as forecast. The shirts were offered in two colors on registration form but my choice was not honored. Medal was nice. Same logo as shirt which is reasonably attractive. The shirt has too much letter/design “coating” for me to wear as a running shirt though.
Overall it was a flat course and I liked Albuquerque—the people are so nice and laid back. I felt very much a type A east coaster! Just a few nitpicks.
Where was the post race event?
It’s really too bad the marathon ended with such disappointment after a solid, well organized race (from expo, start, nice flat route, many water stops & enthusiastic volunteers). I was … MORE
It’s really too bad the marathon ended with such disappointment after a solid, well organized race (from expo, start, nice flat route, many water stops & enthusiastic volunteers).
I was a little panicky about the weather being from upper Michigan leaving my warm and water resistant gear at home. But handled the light rain, then peeks of sun and a little wind that often was at my back. It’s good it was not hot and sunny as there was no shade to speak of. I did not have bathroom issues (thank goodness). Good thing because I really don’t remember true porta potties anywhere except mile 2.
The expo was small but those groups that were there were enthusiastic! The start was well organized and I appreciated the ability to stay dry and warm in the huge convention center. The course was not hard but I’m a slow runner, and also had a slower than usual time waiting for my friends to bring me my traditional mile 20 fireball shot. Lol!.. Medal was nice!
Ok now let’s discuss this post race. Apples, 2 pieces of bread (not even anything special about it). No chocolate milk and the supposed “beer garden” was pay to drink even for those who ran??? I think there was water in cups, but I just got done drinking water and Gatorade for the past 5 hours. I know this race will get some flack for this, as I haven’t heard anyone compliment that aspect even those that finished well before me, so it’s not like they really ran out, it’s all that was offered. Hopefully future races they can turn that around or just plan to have your friends and family bring a well stocked cooler for the end!
PR but Wouldn’t Recommend
First off I want to say this was a relatively easy course that allowed me to run a personal best. So if that is your ultimate goal then maybe this … MORE
First off I want to say this was a relatively easy course that allowed me to run a personal best. So if that is your ultimate goal then maybe this race is for you. The altitude ~4000 ft was the only “hard” part of the course. Besides that, was not happy/satisfied w my experience. The health expo closed at 6pm the day before, and they did not offer any race packet pickup later in evening or day of. I think they assume most people are going to stay multiple days in ABQ, I drove in the day before and nearly missed it. By the time I got there there was no free swag left, all I got was literally my race bib and the race shirt not even in my size (since they were out). Day of race was OK. It was cold and rainy (not really their control). Parking situation was not the greatest. Easy to walk around in the Civic Plaza. Course itself was fast and flat but a bit boring. It’s an out and back course, you run a mile through downtown and then another mile through a neighborhood, then 11 miles down a nearby trail and back. That’s 22 miles of trail running out and back! Which is normally fine, but when you have marathoners, half marathoners, 10ker’s all running the SAME out and back path on a two lane trail, things get congested rather quickly. Would have liked to run more though downtown and the neighborhoods. There were plenty of aid stations by some had run out of Gatorade and were handing out Tampico orange juice. There were not many port o potties on the course either. I saw a good number of people running off into the woods to take care of business. By the time I finished my marathon, there was pretty much nothing left at the finish line. I finished around 4:30, not fast yes but not slow enough to wher I’d expect nothing to be at the finish line. Not even water. I got my medal and the only food was apples and wheat bread. I’ve been in half marathoners w much better swag. Crowd support was spares but better than expected. Overall it was a good experience since I PR’d but I would not run this race again or recommend to anyone. It’s a race that seems to cater more to the half marathon crowd. Bonus tip: The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown ABQ was very nice for 3-star. Very accessible to stuff. Their famous hot air balloon race was weekend before. If you absolutely need to visit ABQ I would recommend checking out the hot air balloons the weekend before. Skip the Duke City marathon race and try a different NM race.
Fun race!
Pros: Plenty of water stops and Gatorade Course is on asphalt, no concrete or stone Few ups and downs, but nothing excessive, even for this flat lander 7 hour time … MORE
Pros:
Plenty of water stops and Gatorade
Course is on asphalt, no concrete or stone
Few ups and downs, but nothing excessive, even for this flat lander
7 hour time limit gave everyone lots of time
CONS
There were a few spots near the end that were not well marked and we weren’t sure which way to go. Lucky for us, a spectator was at one of the tables and showed out to us and helped us out.
There was no Gu on the course and only a couple tables offered any type of food.
Not enough porta potties.
We had fun and I’m glad they held the race in person!
Great organization. Pretty course.
If possible, secure lodging downtown. Easy walking distance to expo, start and finish. Generally flat course mostly on asphalt paved paths. MORE
If possible, secure lodging downtown. Easy walking distance to expo, start and finish. Generally flat course mostly on asphalt paved paths.
Fast Course
Last year My wife and I ran Duke City 10k, and this year opted for the half. I PR’d this time and felt great doing it. Swag was a little … MORE
Last year My wife and I ran Duke City 10k, and this year opted for the half. I PR’d this time and felt great doing it. Swag was a little light this year. Nutrition at the end included water, Gatorade, fruit and healthy looking bread. They didn’t have us in the system nor our names on the bibs even though we registered way early. Save your email receipts. Some of the folks handing out bibs and shirts seemed as though they would have rather been somewhere else… My medal was really small compared to other half marathon medals I have.