The Albuquerque Marathon is one of the fastest and most engaging courses East of the Rio Grande. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or looking to enter your first run, you’ll find gratification with every step! What is the Albuquerque Marathon? It’s a place where beauty meets sweat, where mountain peaks …
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The Albuquerque Marathon is one of the fastest and most engaging courses East of the Rio Grande. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or looking to enter your first run, you’ll find gratification with every step!
What is the Albuquerque Marathon?
It’s a place where beauty meets sweat, where mountain peaks meet valley troughs, and where possibility meets actualization. As a Boston Marathon qualifying and USTAF certified course, the Albuquerque Marathon gives experienced marathoners to beginning runners a chance to dream bigger and run faster. With a net elevation loss of 4,459ft., this Boston Qualifier is currently the fastest in New Mexico and one you won’t want to miss!
The Course
The Albuquerque Marathon is a beautiful course and takes you from the high road of Sandia Crest, down into the low beautiful canyons of Cibola National Forest. Passing Sandia Ski Resort, the race winds through fall foliage, canyon vistas even passing landmark Tinkertown. Eventually historic Route 66 gives way to the final push down central avenue with the best city views Albuquerque has to offer. Runners will follow the majority of the route downhill, with paved roads. Your PR and BQ will be closer as this is now the fastest marathon course in all of New Mexico! This course has limited permits, be sure to sign up as this annual event WILL SELL OUT! This is a USTAF certified course and will be chip timed.
When is the race?
The Albuquerque Marathon kicks off just as summer is coming to a close with the leaves transforming from vibrant greens to remarkable hues of red, orange, and yellow. It is a breathtaking way to experience autumn in New Mexico!
What Do I Get?
So what exactly comes to those that Merit? Aside from the stunning views of September foliage and the glory of tackling this fast, downhill, and exhilarating race, you’ll also receive event photos, an exclusive t-shirt, and a bag of swag that’ll include foil blankets, gloves, and your race bib.
Become a VIP
Elevate your Albuquerque Marathon experience and become a VIP today! Enjoy exclusive perks such as access to the race recovery tent as well as a post-race massage and much, much more! Space is still limited.
LESS
Average Experience
I stayed at the race hotel (Sheraton Uptown) which meant the bus picked us up and took us to the start from the hotel. The negative was there was no … MORE
I stayed at the race hotel (Sheraton Uptown) which meant the bus picked us up and took us to the start from the hotel. The negative was there was no ride back after the race so we got a lyft at the finish. Also, The Sheraton did not shuttle from the airport. They only shuttle flight crews. 🙁
Our bus driver got confused and tried to take us to the marathon start even though we told him he had already passed our starting line. But, that just allowed us to stay warm on the bus longer. The race itself is mostly down the mountain with a decent sized uphill once you get into town. Overall, I was not overly impressed with the views. It was hot by the time we finished and running in the town wasn’t all that great. Shirts were so-so but they did include a hat. The best part about the race was they did have a variety of donuts, food at the finish and cool wash clothes to help cool you down.
The best part of my trip was breakfast at the Sunnyside Up Cafe right next to the hotel. The lemon berry french toast was awesome.
Nice race to run for fun!
The organization and swag is great. I think they listened closely to feedback from prior years. I love downhill races. This felt downhill until Mike 10. I know on paper … MORE
The organization and swag is great. I think they listened closely to feedback from prior years. I love downhill races. This felt downhill until Mike 10. I know on paper it still goes downhill but there are several ups to that as well! And it did get really hot running in the full sun. However, I anticipated that coming in and adjusted my expectations. If you’ve never run here, the scenery and course are beautiful! I would recommend it – for the challenge.
Nice first half... last half ouch!
This was a covid race so the expo was just a bib pickup... the people were very friendly. The bib is solid black with your numbers on it. The race … MORE
This was a covid race so the expo was just a bib pickup… the people were very friendly. The bib is solid black with your numbers on it. The race is point to point so there is an early bus ride. We decided to stay at the race hotel to catch the bus there, problem no bus back to the hotel. It would have been better to drive to the bus area. Please don’t spend the extra money.
The race starts about 150 meters above the bus parking area. As promised it was cold at this elevation. The first 3 and 1/2 miles are downhill. There is a surprise uphill between 4 and 5, then down again to mile 10. After that you are running up and down continuously to the finish. This seventy-one year old was very challenged on the back half. This race has good organization but is challenging because of the altitude. I am happy to have finished but so sore afterwards. I would not recommend it to a beginning runner. So happy to have finished State #39.
Unique mostly downhill race
Race takes place on 2 to 6 lane roads with 1500' feet down and 500' up. The course is mostly in a lane separated from other traffic by cones. There … MORE
Race takes place on 2 to 6 lane roads with 1500′ feet down and 500′ up. The course is mostly in a lane separated from other traffic by cones. There were friendly police and most of the main intersections, but towards the end there were a lot of cars crossing in front of runners and going in the lane where only runners were supposed to be. Weather was great and water stops were well manned and plentiful. Almost no spectators.
I stayed at the host hotel and took the bus to the start from there. Do not do this, as there is no bus back from the finish. I had to Uber, which was no big deal, just not convenient. They say you cannot drop off runner for the half but you can, there are no issues. The start to the race was anticlimactic, with no music, anthem, or start banner.. just 3-2-1 go.
The shirt and medal were nice, and the volunteers were all very friendly and helpful.
3rd Time Running Sandia Half
My wife and I love Sandia Mountain and have run the half every year that this run has happened. 2021 will be our last one though since we are moving … MORE
My wife and I love Sandia Mountain and have run the half every year that this run has happened. 2021 will be our last one though since we are moving back east.
This year was a good production. There were ample aide stations with porta johns every few miles. They provided Body Armor drink which we both enjoy and feel helps.
I didn’t PR this year but had a strong, injury free run. I’m writing this the following day with extremely sore quads, haha. That is the price to pay for a downhill race!
We did the VIP option this year to be able to stay in a warm bus until it was nearly time to start. I would not pay for this option in the future. Many non-VIP runners were allowed on the bus since they showed up late. The same food was available to all.
One other note worthy observation was that there was a strong police force directing traffic and many volunteers parked along the way. I feel this was a very safe race for my wife and I.
I would continue to participate if we were staying local.
plan for full sun
The first half of the marathon course was fantastic. It's downhill with plenty of space and truly wonderful scenery. The second half, however, starts with a large uphill climb and … MORE
The first half of the marathon course was fantastic. It’s downhill with plenty of space and truly wonderful scenery. The second half, however, starts with a large uphill climb and continues along unshaded and busy roadway with not much shoulder in spots. Take sunscreen and plenty of water as aid stations were pretty spaced out near the end. The end of the course wound through neighborhood areas and was not marked well. Swag included a trucker hat?? Medal was unremarkable but in the shape of the state so that’s nice.
Chilly start, toasty finish
Sandia Crest is an awesome location. If you have time before or after the race, take the Tram to the top! The race itself was a point to point race … MORE
Sandia Crest is an awesome location. If you have time before or after the race, take the Tram to the top!
The race itself was a point to point race that started at elevation. It was chilly in the staging area before the race began. This is definitely a layering race. The first several miles were a steady decline. Around midrace the sun had risen a bit further in the sky, it began warming up, and a few rolling hills were encountered on the course.
The last third of the race provided a nice view of the downtown Albuquerque. The final stretch after a left turn provided a view of Old Town Albuquerque (recommended if your a first timer like me). It was pretty toasty by the end of the race and I would guess that point to point the temperature increased by 40 degrees.
The gear was nice (Big Medal Shaped like NM), although it appeared to be standard gear for all races produced by the series owners and not unique to this particular race.
Beautiful course
It was a beautiful location. I found the uphill and down hill pretty tough. The race management was excellent. It required a bus ride to the starting point. MORE
It was a beautiful location. I found the uphill and down hill pretty tough. The race management was excellent. It required a bus ride to the starting point.
Room for improvement
Let me begin with the positive: everyone involved with the race is very nice. Each person I encountered was very enthusiastic about the events and looked after all the runners. … MORE
Let me begin with the positive: everyone involved with the race is very nice. Each person I encountered was very enthusiastic about the events and looked after all the runners.
Some of my issues with the race are unique to runners like me (back of the pack) but some of the issues are regardless of whether you are 1st or last.
As a back of the pack runner, I should have hunted down course time limit information (it was not included on the site, and I used the prior year’s results as my guide). When I reached mile 14 I was informed that I would not have any more aid stations available to me (even though at that point, I was maintaining the course time limit pace). Fortunately, the above mentioned race volunteers/staff did ride by often to offer water. As I got to mile 25, the course was being broken down (working backwards from the finish line). So, that meant that I had no idea on the final turns of the course. There was no course map on the website, so I had to guess. I went a little out of my way, “felt” I had gone wrong and double backed and completed the course on the correct route.
Issues that would apply to all runners:
*The website was lacking in complete and accurate information:
–Course time limit (not included)
–Detailed course map (not included)
–Incorrectly states that you must drive to the shuttle buses that take all runners to the starting area (the limited emails received prior to the race stated that people who stay at the host hotel will be able to get a shuttle at the hotel).
*Be aware that it is not all downhill. There are at least 3 uphill sections.
*Seriously lacking in swag. Both the t-shirt and the medal lack both the race name and date. They just say “Run NMX.” The t-shirt is an odd material, too.
This is only the 2nd year for the race. I think they can work on improving, but as it is now, I wouldn’t recommend.
Great Production!
This is my second time running the Sandia Half. Last year was good but this year it was even better considering production, safety, swag, and finish nutrition! I thoroughly enjoyed … MORE
This is my second time running the Sandia Half. Last year was good but this year it was even better considering production, safety, swag, and finish nutrition! I thoroughly enjoyed the downhill race and the challenge of pacing. This one is a little tricky to pace due to the rolling hills with a few bigger hills from miles 5.5-11 (half). In my opinion this is not a course you would shoot for negative splits but instead try to bank some early fast pacing through the steeper downhill sections which I did.
beautiful scenery
tough race. it was billed as a downhill race, but lots of uphills also. Scenery was great and run very well. chilly i the morning and just started warming up … MORE
tough race. it was billed as a downhill race, but lots of uphills also. Scenery was great and run very well. chilly i the morning and just started warming up at the finish
Enjoyed the inaugural run
I decided to run the Sandia Crest Half Marathon as my first long race coming back after injury. There were rolling hills but still a net elevation loss of 1400 … MORE
I decided to run the Sandia Crest Half Marathon as my first long race coming back after injury. There were rolling hills but still a net elevation loss of 1400 ft. It does start to warm up by late morning but having trained here in New Mexico I was used to the warmer conditions. Up until the 10th mile hill I was running my personal best. I did tire on the hill but believe that was my lack of conditioning, I still however finished with the time I was aiming for. There was plenty of water stations and porta-potties on the course. And they had fruit stations out on the course. At the finish they had chocolate milk ( great recovery drink), donuts, water, hydration drinks and cool towels. I believe for an inaugural race it was well put together. As it continues to grow I believe it will get even better. The volunteers were all exceptionally nice and welcoming. I will be back next year!!!
Will Return
I ran the half marathon which basically starts at the halfway point for the full. This is my first half marathon in 8-10 years with nothing longer than a 10k … MORE
I ran the half marathon which basically starts at the halfway point for the full. This is my first half marathon in 8-10 years with nothing longer than a 10k in that time. I thought the course was easy and fast! There was only one significant hill at about the ten mile mark of the half course. I didn’t think it was bad at all but I do frequent hill training in my day to day running.
The food at the end could have been more varied, the swag was ok but I would prefer synthetic shirts, and a line did develop 10-15 minutes before the start. I think for an inaugural race that things were ok though overall, and plan to give it another go next year with doing the full marathon.
The temp was around 50 degrees and since my wife and I took the first bus up we froze for over an hour. Should have brought the free blankets that came in the swag bag.
It will be colder at the full marathon starting point.
I live in Albuquerque and am thankful to have this opportunity so close! My finish time was blistering fast! This is a fast course with an overall 1400 foot elevation drop in just the half!!
Great first half, the rest crappy!
Keep in mind, even though its a downhill course, after mile 12 there are elevation gains (rolling hills) and if you are not trained to run at 5000ft or higher … MORE
Keep in mind, even though its a downhill course, after mile 12 there are elevation gains (rolling hills) and if you are not trained to run at 5000ft or higher elevation, these hills will hit you! First half is very scenic, fast and cooler weather with lots of shades. There is a hill between 4-5 mile mark. After mile 12, the course becomes nasty along an unshaded busy street. If you are a 4:30-5:00hr marathoner, it gets really hot too. I saw a 711 digital board showing 89F! The water stations are at only every 2 miles, probably not optimal for the season. The last 3-4 miles are the worst. The finish line even did not have a sign saying “Sandia Crest Marathon Finish”: for photo purposes it would have been good. After finishing, this was the only marathon where I did not find any food! May be it was there somewhere, but no one handed me anything but a bottle of water and a nice cool hand towel.
Pros:
People are super friendly and very supportive
Race organization was good: busing to the start, parking etc
Medal was okay
Suggestions to improve: As a runner, I only care for a good techincal T-shirt. The “extra stuff”, cap, gloves are not necessary. For the $155 registartion price, this race T-shirt was the worst ever! Use the money saved from not providing cap and gloves to provide a quality running shirt. Consider pushing the race to late Sep-early Oct, when its cooler.
“Sandia Crest Marathon kicks off just as summer is coming to a close with the leaves transforming from vibrant greens to remarkable hues of red, orange, and yellow.” This is a misnomer on the webpage. Very subtle fall foliage this early in the year!
Fast yet punishing course.
First half was steep and fast. The scenery was spectacular.Good traffic control. Made a spectacular 1/2 way point time (1 hour 38 min). Was cool and shaded. From that point … MORE
First half was steep and fast. The scenery was spectacular.Good traffic control. Made a spectacular 1/2 way point time (1 hour 38 min). Was cool and shaded. From that point it seems that there was as much up hill as downhill and I was very sore from the fast downhill. I began to slow at this point. There wasn’t very much police monitoring traffic from this point forward and you had to watch your own ass. The course was next to hwy 66 and there was red cones blocking off right oncoming lane. Cars were moving past fast. Very little police traffic control in city. Got hot as course got closer to end. Got a personal best so i’m happy with my results. Other than lack of traffic control by the fast moving traffic, happy with course. Finishing metal was cool, had a couple coupons in swag bag, gloves, foil blanket.