From Albuquerque to White Sands to Las Cruces to Shiprock, and more.
Running a marathon in New Mexico is definitely a different kind of experience. The dry air, the high desert landscape, and iconic spots like Shiprock Pinnacle all add something special to the race.
You’ll get a real sense of place and history along the way. If you’re thinking about tackling a race here, it helps to know what to expect and how the altitude can affect your run.
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What are the Best Marathons in New Mexico?
Duke City Marathon
Albuquerque | Oct 19, 2025
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Participants: 483 Finishers
Price: $79-$129
Albuquerque’s Duke City Marathon has been around since 1984, when the mayor kicked it off alongside the actual 15th Duke of Alburquerque, who flew in from Spain like some kind of high-altitude race mascot. There’s something a little deceptive about the Duke City Marathon. On paper, it looks easy: a flat course, paved trail, low-key crowd. But once you’re a few miles into the back half, running mostly alone on the Bosque Trail with the altitude making your lungs feel like they’ve shrunk overnight, the quiet starts to stretch. It’s not unfriendly – just sparse.
The race begins downtown Albuquerque, a short jog through city streets before you settle into the long, meandering path along the Rio Grande. You won’t see much of the river, but you might catch glimpses of hot air balloons lifting off in the distance if you’re lucky. The mid-race rollers near the Paseo Trail are manageable, but unexpected if you weren’t paying attention to the course map. There are enough water stops, though later runners sometimes report dry tables and warm Gatorade.
The finish line can feel a bit anticlimactic, more a slice of wheat bread and an apple than a full-on celebration, but the volunteers show up with heart, and the local runners have that kind of unflashy grit that fits the whole vibe. It’s not a race for spectacle. It’s a race for people who want to put their head down and run.
Bataan Memorial Death March
White Sands | Mar 22, 2025
Course Type: Very Hilly
Participants: 2,621 Finishers
Price: $45
The Bataan Memorial Death March honors the 1942 atrocity where over 75,000 U.S. and Filipino POWs were forced to march 65 miles under brutal conditions. Nearly 10,000 died, including hundreds from New Mexico. Held annually in March at White Sands Missile Range, this event draws thousands who run or march 14.2 or 26.2 miles to pay tribute—many in military gear and carrying 35-pound packs.
The course is harsh: deep sand, rocky trails, wind, and over 4,000 feet of elevation. It’s not built for speed, it’s built for remembrance. The “Sand Pit” section is especially grueling, and trail shoes are strongly recommended.
Support along the route is excellent, with well-stocked aid stations and volunteers who understand the solemnity of the event. Logistics can be tricky, with early arrivals needed for base access; many choose to camp onsite. The race starts with a moving ceremony that sets the tone for what’s more of a pilgrimage than a marathon.
Swag is simple but meaningful: medals, dog tags, and stories that last. For those seeking depth over fanfare, this New Mexico race offers an unforgettable experience.
State 47 Las Cruces Marathon
Las Cruces | Jan 3, 2026
Course Type: Mostly Flat
Elevation Gain: 174 feet (53m)
Participants: 168 Finishers
Price: $93.02-$136.27
If you’re chasing 50 states or a Boston qualifier, the State 47 Las Cruces Marathon checks all the boxes. Held every January in sunny southern New Mexico, this small but mighty race winds through pecan orchards and along the Rio Grande, with the Organ Mountains towering in the distance. It has sold out three years in a row, and 2025 even drew runners from all 50 states and eight countries.
The USATF-certified course is mostly flat and mixes paved paths, gravel, and dirt roads, perfect for fast times if the desert wind stays calm. There’s also a half marathon, a 4.7-mile race, and a kids’ run. In 2026, they’re adding a 2-person relay for those who prefer to tag-team their 26.2.
The vibe is relaxed and runner-friendly. Packet pickup is at the Holiday Inn Express (easy parking, no chaos), and the race starts and finishes on a stadium track – hello clean bathrooms and great finish photos. Swag includes a cotton tee and a cool medal, but the real treat is the post-race birthday cake (New Mexico statehood, of course).
This race doesn’t try to be flashy, but it nails the essentials: beautiful scenery, great organization, and a welcoming community. It’s a hidden gem for marathoners who like their races fast, friendly, and full of local flavor.
Shiprock Marathon
Shiprock | May 2, 2026
Course Type: Hilly
Elevation Gain: 838 feet (255m)
Participants: 164 Finishers
Price: $90
There’s something quiet and powerful about running through the desert, and the Shiprock Marathon leans into that feeling. Held each May on the Navajo Nation, this is New Mexico’s oldest marathon and one of the most unique races in the Southwest. The route is simple, an out-and-back along a wide desert highway, but the scenery, the atmosphere, and the sense of place make it stand out.
The race starts just after sunrise. While there’s usually no big fanfare, you might hear the national anthem sung in Navajo and a traditional prayer to set the tone. The first half of the course climbs gradually, which you’ll definitely feel if you’re not used to the elevation. But what goes up must come down, and the second half rewards you with a long, slow descent back to Shiprock.
That jagged volcanic spire in the distance? That’s Tsé Bit’a’í, or “Rock with Wings,” a sacred site for the Diné people and the race’s namesake. You won’t be running right next to it, but you’ll catch glimpses throughout the course, especially in the early miles. The desert views are vast and open, and the stillness is part of the draw.
Course support is solid. Aid stations pop up every mile and are stocked with gels, Gatorade, fruit, snacks, and water. The volunteers are kind, helpful, and seem genuinely happy to be there. If you like having music to keep you going, local bands are posted along the course playing everything from traditional Navajo songs to country, classic rock, and rez metal.
The finish line is calm but welcoming. You’ll get a medal, a snack box, and drinks like water, Gatorade, and chocolate milk. There’s pizza if you show your bib and a food tent with fruit, chips, trail mix, and Clif Bars.
Awards go to the top three in each five-year age group, and results show up quickly. If you make the podium, you might go home with a handmade medallion or piece of Native art.
Most runners stay in Farmington, about 30 miles away, and drive in that morning. Event parking is easy, and volunteers will guide you to a spot just outside town.
Running at Altitude in New Mexico: What to Expect
New Mexico doesn’t just look different – it feels different when you’re running, especially if you’re coming from sea level. Many races, including Shiprock, are held above 5,000 feet. That kind of elevation can mess with your pace, your breathing, and your confidence if you’re not prepared for it.
So, what changes at high altitude?
- Your lungs work harder. The thinner air has less oxygen, so expect to feel winded faster even on an easy pace.
- Recovery slows down. You might feel sore longer, especially after speedwork or a race.
- Hydration becomes more important. The desert climate is dry and you’ll sweat more than you realize. Start drinking extra fluids a couple days before race day.
If you’re a flatlander from somewhere like Texas or Florida, don’t let the numbers fool you. A race like Shiprock climbs gradually over the first half, but combined with altitude and dry heat, it’ll wear you down faster than you expect.
Tips to handle it:
- Give yourself extra days to acclimate if you can.
- Go out slower than usual since a conservative start is your best friend.
- Train with effort, not pace because your watch won’t tell the whole story up here.
- Focus on staying fueled early and often during the race. Altitude can dampen hunger cues, but you’ll still need energy.
Even if your finish time isn’t your fastest, the payoff is real. The skies are bigger, the air is cleaner, and the views are worth it.
Marathon Season in New Mexico: When to Plan Your Race
New Mexico’s marathon calendar isn’t packed with big-city races, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in setting and experience. The key to enjoying them is picking the right season. This state runs hot, dry, and sunny, which sounds great until you’re slogging through a long run at noon with no shade in sight.
Here’s how the year usually plays out:
🌱 Spring (March to May)
This is prime time. The air is cool in the mornings, flowers are blooming in some areas, and races like the Shiprock Marathon take place in early May. Expect crisp starts and warm, dry finishes. If you want a mix of cool temps and minimal wind, this is your window.
☀️ Summer (June to August)
In a word, tough. Summer in New Mexico is hot and dry—think 90s by mid-morning, especially in the southern and central parts of the state. Very few marathons are held during this season, and for good reason. If you’re training through it, get used to early starts and bring extra water on every run.
🍂 Fall (September to November)
Another solid choice. Fall marathons here benefit from cooler air and clear skies. Races in places like Albuquerque or Santa Fe tend to fill up with local runners enjoying the last good weather before winter sets in. There’s usually less wind than in spring, too.
❄️ Winter (December to February)
Snow is rare at lower elevations but can be a factor in northern towns like Taos or Santa Fe. For the most part, winter is quiet on the marathon front. If you do find a race, be prepared for cold starts and the possibility of wind or early storms.
Bonus tip: Many runners use spring and fall races in New Mexico to try for a Boston Qualifier. Courses like Shiprock are certified and offer the kind of dry air and gradual elevation loss that can work in your favor if you manage your effort wisely.
Concluesion
Marathons in New Mexico aren’t your typical races. The scenery, the culture, and even the weather all play a part in making each run unique. It’s a chance to slow down, take in some amazing views, and challenge yourself in a different way. Whether you’re coming for a personal best or just to soak it all in, running here leaves a lasting impression.
Row Brown is the founder of Refresh Row. He is a keen marathon runner, his favorite being the London Marathon. He’s now set himself the mission of Running the Entire Length of Spain, which is scheduled for late 2024.
