From Pueblo Indian trails to El Camino Real to the Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe has been a sought-after destination for centuries. The Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon gives you the opportunity to leave your own footprints and enjoy a unique athletic and cultural experience. Starting in the heart of …
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From Pueblo Indian trails to El Camino Real to the Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe has been a sought-after destination for centuries. The Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon gives you the opportunity to leave your own footprints and enjoy a unique athletic and cultural experience.
Starting in the heart of Santa Fe at historic Fort Marcy, the point-to-point course follows the Old Taos Highway, finishing at the magnificent Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in the Pueblo of Pojoaque. The 1,000 foot net downhill USATF-certified course (including 300 feet of uphill the first 2 miles) features spectacular views of the Sangra de Cristo and Jemez mountains while dropping into the colorful Rio Grande Valley. Inspired by Afican drummers at the start and live music along the course, runners pass by the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, the Tesuque Village Market, Camel Rock and the Tesuque Pueblo on the way to Pojoaque along a route that our ancestors have run and walked for centuries.
We have created a truly international event featuring people, music, art and culture from places where running remains a vital part of the culture. Each year, Global Running Culture honors an individual who has dedicated their lives to fulfilling a passion. Past years’ honorees have included Dr. Joe Vigil, Adams St. and Olympic Coach, Billy Mills, Olympic 10,000M Gold Medalist, the Ultimate Warrior, WWE Hall of Fame wrestler, Steve “King of the Mountain” Gachupin, 6 time Pike’s Peak Marathon Champion, Caroline Rotich, Santa Fe resident and 2015 Boston Marathon Champion and Peter Koech, former World Record holder and Olympic Silver medalist in the steeplechase.
Your participation enables 100% volunteer non-profit Global Running Culture to carry out its mission of bettering the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in three communities where running is a vital part of the culture: northern New Mexico and Arizona, the village of Matungen, Kenya and Copper Canyon Mexico.
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Was Quite Unique
This race has been discontinued and I am not entirely sure why. For the record this was not my favorite race, but it was quite popular and definitely an experience. … MORE
This race has been discontinued and I am not entirely sure why. For the record this was not my favorite race, but it was quite popular and definitely an experience.
The expo was nothing special. It was held at the finish line/Casino and it had the bare minimum once would expect for calling itself an expo.
Because this was a point to point race, I thought it was interesting that you could either show up to the starting line and have someone come get you at the finish line or you could park at the finish line and take a shuttle to the start. Because I was staying close to the start and was traveling with my husband, I elected to just walk to the start. But it appeared that the shuttle worked well.
The starting line was unlike any others I have experienced with first nation people performing traditional music and dance. There was plenty of room to stretch and line up and the announcements were loud and clear.
This race does not have pacers and starts at well over 7000 feet above sea level. Racing in both the Tetons and Denver did not effect me. However…. This did. I definitely experienced the thinner air and I also went out too fast. This combined to cause me issues by mile 9. However I was able to catch my breath and finished the race perfectly well.
The race officials at the end were very diligent and made sure that I was ok after being spotted walking on the course. I actually have mixed feelings about this because by the time they had contact with me, I was actually doing fine and know my body (which is why I had the walking part when I did) but I have to admire their dedication.
There was definitely some traffic snags at the casino. The shirt and the medal were designed by a local artist which I thought was a nice touch.
If this race was still being conducted I would tell people to do it. It was a worthwhile experience.
Gorgeous Downhill Race!
This race was downhill almost the entire time which was so awesome. I was nervous about it because I had missed several weeks of training after my mother died but … MORE
This race was downhill almost the entire time which was so awesome. I was nervous about it because I had missed several weeks of training after my mother died but I was able to finish with no problems even with the lack of training. The views were breathtaking, especially running down into the valley. What a great experience. I loved it.
Quad crushing exploration of NM
If you can make it past the first 2-3 miles, you'll be OK. The first two miles are net uphill almost 300 feet. The 3rd mile is a steep downhill. … MORE
If you can make it past the first 2-3 miles, you’ll be OK. The first two miles are net uphill almost 300 feet. The 3rd mile is a steep downhill. After the first 3 miles, it is a much easier downhill. Course was tough on the legs and is over 7300′ altitude at it’s highest. Surprisingly, I didn’t seem to be affected by the altitude. There are a couple short, but steep hills near the end. There is prize money, so there is some strong competition.
The views overall are nice and you pass some of the local landmarks like camel rock. Not too many spectators, but there is plenty of on course support.
The awards ceremony at the end was a little chaotic, but the hand-made age group awards were unique. The shirts and metals were both very nice as well.
Don't Take This Race Lightly!
This was one doozy of a race. The altitude was no joke! First 2 miles is all uphill, 7000' to 7332', then the last 11 miles are downhill to 6000'. … MORE
This was one doozy of a race. The altitude was no joke! First 2 miles is all uphill, 7000′ to 7332′, then the last 11 miles are downhill to 6000′. For someone from the coast of SC the mountains was a great scenery. The altitude made me take the downhill at a much slower pace that I typically run. They had aid stations every 2 miles, but most were not ready for us, had to wait for cups to fill. There was decent course entertainment, but lots of area without crowds.
Great course ... at 7000 feet
Great course - the first two miles are uphill but the last 11 are all downhill (1000 feet net decline). I expected to do well, but I am from Los … MORE
Great course – the first two miles are uphill but the last 11 are all downhill (1000 feet net decline). I expected to do well, but I am from Los Angeles and not used to running at altitude. It just wiped me out. There were 1200 participants and the race was well-organized and the medal and shirt were nice.
Not my fav
This race was not fun. I expected a pretty course but it was kinda bare. The altitude affected me a lot more than I anticipated and that made it a … MORE
This race was not fun. I expected a pretty course but it was kinda bare. The altitude affected me a lot more than I anticipated and that made it a tough race for me. I didn’t feel like they had enough aid stations. I like Santa Fe but this was not the race for me. The course is an uphill climb for the first couple of miles and then descends but many parts of the course it is just you. No crowds.