State 47 Las Cruces Marathon & Half
Las Cruces, NM
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 4.7 Miler, Kids Run
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Nestled at 3,900 feet in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the State 47 Marathon is surrounded by pecan orchards, stunning views of the Organ Mountains, and the Rio Grande River. Hosted by @wanderlustrunning, this popular event has sold out the past three years and has welcomed participants from all 50 states … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jan 09):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 50 | 31 | 45 | 69 | 54 |
| L (°F) | 34 | 25 | 17 | 36 | 37 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Nice small race!
Good race to knock out New Mexico for a 50 state quest. It’s in January and weather was very nice. Start line communication was difficult to hear and it wasn’t … MORE
Good race to knock out New Mexico for a 50 state quest. It’s in January and weather was very nice. Start line communication was difficult to hear and it wasn’t that clear that there would be 2 laps around the track at the end. The course was nice and ran along a dry creek/river bed on a paved path. Post food was good and volunteers great. Shirt was a 1 although I liked the logo, it’s not a shirt I would use to train for other races. If I had my druthers, I’d run a small town race like this as opposed to a huge rock n roll production.
Small Race with all distances
This is small race with all distance from 4.7 to full marathon. Starts and ends on a legit track. Most runners do the lower distances. They have an early start … MORE
This is small race with all distance from 4.7 to full marathon. Starts and ends on a legit track. Most runners do the lower distances. They have an early start for half and fulls
Everything about Las Cruces is EASY
Flew into El Paso for a 45 minute drive to Las Cruces. Our hotel (Spring Hill Suites by Marriott) was equidistant from the mini expo the day prior, and the … MORE
Flew into El Paso for a 45 minute drive to Las Cruces. Our hotel (Spring Hill Suites by Marriott) was equidistant from the mini expo the day prior, and the race itself. So easy to drive and park for everything. Race parking was at the stadium with plenty of space for everyone. And the stadium was the perfect setting with indoor toilets, and refreshments and food setup afterwards. We started with a lap around the track and then exited to a very flat and semi scenic Street/trail route. It was mostly along the dry Rio Grande River bed.
Mountain views and dry scrub areas had a rustic beauty to it. We ended up back in the stadium for a couple laps before the finish and the snack and drink set up section. I’m glad I got to see Las Cruces, I’ve never been there before. But ideally, I would’ve done Albuquerque and the hot balloon festival race if I was able.
Lovely Small Marathon Vibe
Well supported course with aid stations, no frills but wonderful warm people. Serene and pretty scenery with an odd start and finish. If you are looking for a destination race … MORE
Well supported course with aid stations, no frills but wonderful warm people. Serene and pretty scenery with an odd start and finish. If you are looking for a destination race with an easy set up, down to earth supportive people look no further.
Great race to start the new year
The people were very nice and welcoming. Small race, mostly on a trail. Starts on a track and you do one loop on that, then run out to the road, … MORE
The people were very nice and welcoming. Small race, mostly on a trail. Starts on a track and you do one loop on that, then run out to the road, run a side street, then hop on a trail around mile 1.5-2ish. You run that trail turn around just around 6.5/7, come back the way you came. You don’t do the side street again, but you do run the outer lanes on the track, then run the inner lanes on the track ( so two loops before you finish). I kind of liked that this time because it allowed me to catch a few people, but mentally that could be tough if you are ready to be finished.
The race directions and all were clear and the production was smooth. I had no issues with packet pickup or getting to the start. I stayed at the host hotel which was nice and they gave a great discount I felt compared to normal rates.
Overall a great small race no real spectators, but flat and easy and nice weather. It’s a good one to do to check off the states if you are good with small. Also if you like National Parks head to White Sands and sled or hike the dunes. You can also go to PistachioLand for a fun tour of a family owned tree farm, eat some good fudge or ice cream, and sample their pistachios. They also had wine samples as well from their vineyard.
Again, great race production, just low key!
Lovely, scenic and peaceful race
I really enjoyed this race. I chose it for New Mexico because they gave out a special charm for 50 state marathon runners. I have never been to New Mexico … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. I chose it for New Mexico because they gave out a special charm for 50 state marathon runners. I have never been to New Mexico before, so I found the city scenic and beautiful. New Mexico is the “chile capital of the world” (according to their license plates), so the local restaurants all had chiles on stand by to put on pizza, hot dogs and even custard. The weather was pleasant and slightly warm for January.
Packet pick up was small (with one vendor and a “See Las Cruces” table), and was at the host hotel, so that was super convenient. I flew into El Paso and drove the hour to Las Cruces. The race starts and ends at the city’s high schools’ sports stadium, so parking was easy and plentiful.
The course is super flat and follows a local multi-use path along the Rio Grande River, and moves along pecan tree groves. There is a minimal local crowd support. I found the scenery to be quite lovely and enjoyed the peacefulness and stillness of the course and the race.
The medal was shaped like New Mexico with a spinning road runner in the center. The t-shirt was New Mexico-themed with a road runner on the front.
Flat course
Bib pick up was the day before at a local hotel, not much of an expo, went very smoothly. Start of the race was on time and seemed to be … MORE
Bib pick up was the day before at a local hotel, not much of an expo, went very smoothly. Start of the race was on time and seemed to be well organized. Course was very flat, went down some local roads, then followed the Rio Grand river for a few miles, turned down some rural roads and went past a lot of pecan orchards. Turned around just past 13 miles and returned to the start point. Had to run around the running track twice before crossing the finish line. Again very well organized and extremelyflat course, water & Gatorade stations about every 2 miles. A little bit of local fans cheering along the route. The metal was really cool in the shape of the state of New Mexico with a rotating roadrunner in the middle of the metal.
Flat course
Flat course. A great qualifying race for Boston Course well marked and easy to follow. Medals are awesome. Weather was perfect on date of race. MORE
Flat course. A great qualifying race for Boston Course well marked and easy to follow. Medals are awesome. Weather was perfect on date of race.
Super-flat out-and-back half
I am a 50-stater and there were few options for me going into my last three states and especially in January. That being said, I am pleased with this race. … MORE
I am a 50-stater and there were few options for me going into my last three states and especially in January. That being said, I am pleased with this race. Although I don’t love an out-and-back route, the course was as flat as flat can be, which was nice. The race organizers were very enthusiastic and the water stations were well stocked. Also I love the design on the race t-shirt. It was a fairly small race and I got an age group award, so I will remember this one fondly!
Solid Small Marathon
This was a good race overall. Small field and not many spectators. It’s run on a path along the Rio Grande River, which is dry this time of year. Out … MORE
This was a good race overall. Small field and not many spectators. It’s run on a path along the Rio Grande River, which is dry this time of year. Out and back courses are not my personal favorite so it was a bit of a grind coming back. Cotton shirt with a pretty cool design. Loved the medal and ways to customize. Solid small race.
Flat Run in New Mexico
This event is a well-organized race by people who love running. They offer a full, a half, and a 4.7-mile run (to honor the fact that New Mexico was the … MORE
This event is a well-organized race by people who love running. They offer a full, a half, and a 4.7-mile run (to honor the fact that New Mexico was the 47th state to join the USA). I ran the half as part of my goal of running a half marathon in all 50 states. The out-and-back course is very flat, but the ending requires a lot of mental stamina… runners have to make two laps of the track (800m) at the end of a long race…. all within view of the spectators who are there to see the finish. It is really hard to run two laps looking happy when you are hurting. The finisher medal is really nice, but the tshirt is meh. I am glad to have participated in this race. There are some great sites to see in the area (White Sands National Park, and Riverbend Hot Springs in Truth or Consequences). It is worth traveling to this race if you are in search of a good race to run in New Mexico!
Flat and Fun
Well organized. Plenty of aid stations and port a pots. Fun to finish on the track. Had to watch footing, as roads were rough. Should have been more restrooms unlocked … MORE
Well organized. Plenty of aid stations and port a pots. Fun to finish on the track. Had to watch footing, as roads were rough. Should have been more restrooms unlocked in the stadium prior to the race.
Bare bones race production
Starting off by saying I like bigger races with lots of spectators. Packet pick up went well the race T shirt is cool not many vendors at packet pick up. … MORE
Starting off by saying I like bigger races with lots of spectators. Packet pick up went well the race T shirt is cool not many vendors at packet pick up. Race day it self was well organized parking is easy at the High School. The race starts in the stadium and you run one lap on the track before exiting to the course easy very flat course. Out and back along what use to be the Rio Grande River. Nice scenery of near by mountains. Even though the rout is FLAT you are still at almost 4k feet above sea level. I recommend getting in to town a few days before if you are a sea level runner like I am.
My new Favorite Half Marathon
Easy Parking**************** Morning pick up for race bib and shirt RD is very knowledgeable and runs a great race Course is on a bike trail but bikers are very courteous … MORE
Easy Parking****************
Morning pick up for race bib and shirt
RD is very knowledgeable and runs a great race
Course is on a bike trail but bikers are very courteous
This is my new favorite half marathon within a 100 mile radius of my home.
It has the potential to be better
The race has a good location, but still need some work. There should be more control of the traffic. I had to slow down twice because a truck with pecans … MORE
The race has a good location, but still need some work. There should be more control of the traffic. I had to slow down twice because a truck with pecans got in the middle of the road. Some cars were speeding when got closer to runners, and I think traffic should be escorted by police of race staff. At the finish line, there was no staff that was able to tell be where it was the tent to check the official results. I couldn’t find out there that I had placed in my age group. Again, it has the energy to become a great race, but it need some mentorship/advice from big races organizers to avoid some of the issues indicated above.
Great little race for NM
Staff was extremely helpful while race allowed an early start option. course was flat but faced a headwind on the return as it was along the river. Start and finish … MORE
Staff was extremely helpful while race allowed an early start option. course was flat but faced a headwind on the return as it was along the river. Start and finish was well placed at the University stadium. Some great finish photos as well.
Excellent!!
Very well produced race. The packet pickup and start were well organized, views of the mountains were gorgeous! Regular T-shirt and nice bling. MORE
Very well produced race. The packet pickup and start were well organized, views of the mountains were gorgeous! Regular T-shirt and nice bling.
Great Mexican Food and Pecans
This was a really fun and well organized small field race, and a very good choice if you want to run a marathon in New Mexico. Easy to fly into … MORE
This was a really fun and well organized small field race, and a very good choice if you want to run a marathon in New Mexico. Easy to fly into either El Paso or Las Cruces. Plenty of hotels in the race area, and there are some absolutely great Mexican restaurants in Las Cruces. Cold start to the race 34 deg, but temps go up at least 20-25 degrees as the sun rises. Race goes along a paved trail along the Rio Grande, the paved roadway winding thru the Pecan fields. Plenty of police to keep runners safe, and lots of water/gatorade stations along the course. Shane, the race director greeted us at bib pickup and clearly takes pride in running this event.
3.5 shoe/star rating
Good race considering it's a small race and newer race. Room for improvement? Yes. What race doesn't?! This was Marathon #42 for me. We moved to Las Cruces May 2023 … MORE
Good race considering it’s a small race and newer race. Room for improvement? Yes. What race doesn’t?!
This was Marathon #42 for me. We moved to Las Cruces May 2023 after 26 yrs in Houston. Was excited to run this marathon for the first time.
Course: Flat! However, keep in mind elevation is approx 4000 ft. Depending on where you are coming for this could impact your performance.
Scenery: Views of the Organ and Dona Ana Mtns and Picacho Peak along much of the course. Also run through the pecan orchards that are prominent in this area and run parallel to the Rio Grande River which is dried up during the winter.
Weather: Typically going to be high 30’s/low 40’s for start line but it’s mother nature. Who knows! Desert cold feels warmer than humid climate cold such as Houston. If the sun is out and no wind mid 30’s is not a bad start temp at all.
Race Size: Approx 500 runners for full, half and 4.7 mile. Small field, but there can be advantages to small races such as…..
Course Start: Starts/ends at the school stadium. Indoor flushing toilets! No line for toilets! LOTS of parking. We arrived at 7:30 for 8 a.m. start and that was “early”. Went inside the stadium to use the restroom and back to the car for a bit to wait in the warm car for start time. Las Cruces is a town of approx 110,000. The course start is easy to find. Depending on where you stay maybe 5-15 min away, no traffic, no issues finding it, no issues parking, etc…. Definite advantages if you have ever run a big race like a Houston or Dallas Marathon!!!
Course Markings: Course was well marked. For smaller races I “worry” about this because you may not always have a runner visible in front of you to be your guide/beacon. No issues here.
Early Start: 1 hr early start allowed, but must pre register for this option.
Packet Pick Up: Pick up at host hotel day before or race day. 3 vendors so this is more of a packet pick up and not an “expo”.
Swag: Typical swag – tshirt, sunglasses and sling pack. Tshirt & medal is the same for half and full. Really think half vs full should have different shirts and medals! Tshirt is short sleeve cotton. I prefer cotton, but would prefer long sleeve given cold Jan race date. That’s totally a personal preference though. Ask the next person and they will prefer the exact opposite. I would like to see eliminate glasses and bag. Too many races do this. Offer something different such as gloves, hat or disposable/reusable water station cups.
Water / Bathroom stations: Improved from last yr based on what I heard. Problem w/ volunteers not showing last year apparently.
Post Race: Race starts/ends on the school track. Very nice/new track! The race celebrates New Mexico’s birthday so they served birthday cake and frosted cookie cake! Never had this at a race finish and loved it! Then again I love sweets! Also had the typical post race snacks such as bananas, oranges, chips, fruit snacks, water & gatorade. Would LOVE if they offered diet coke! That’s the one thing I crave at the end of a marathon! 🙂
Clothes Dump: There’s no official close dump/collection program, but there were some people dumping clothes. Try to dump at a water station so it’s easier for volunteers to collect and donate.
Fairly popular race for those completing the 50 States half/full. Fly in to El Paso, TX and approx 50 min drive to Las Cruces. Heck if you fly in to Houston for their marathon you’ll drive that far to a host hotel and that’s in the same town! Another advantage to these smaller races!
Good overall race and thus the 3.5 shoe/star rating. It’s a newer race so will be fun to watch it grow in the coming years.
Good for 50 States
Not a great race but it suffices for one of the states. Not great but not horrible either. It is what it is and i have run worse courses. I … MORE
Not a great race but it suffices for one of the states. Not great but not horrible either. It is what it is and i have run worse courses. I
Did it with 8 friends so obviously that makes it all worthwhile. Carry on Comrades!