A Better Way to Start Balloon Fiesta Weekend!
Balloon Run 2026 takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, the first day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Choose from the Half Marathon (new this year), 10 Mile, or 5K and enjoy a scenic race morning at Bosque School with Rio Grande views, hot air balloons, great swag, music, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.
Why Balloon Run
Local. Scenic. Fun. Worth It.
Balloon Run is built to give runners and families a high-quality race experience with real value.
Distances
Something for everyone
Half Marathon — New for 2026
10 Mile
5K
Whether you are racing hard, running for fun, or making it part of a family weekend, there is a distance for you.
Participant Perks
More included. More to enjoy.
All participants receive:
Half Marathon and 10 Mile participants also receive:
Race-Day Experience
More than just a race
Music
Hot air balloon views
Great photo opportunities
Costume contest prize
Overall and age group awards
5K warm-up led by a 2020 and 2024 Olympian
It is a race morning that feels festive, polished, and easy to enjoy.
Oct 03, 2026
Distance — 13.1 Miles
Type — Running
07:00
$85.00
Oct 03, 2026
Distance — 10 Miles
Type — Running
07:15
$80.00
Oct 03, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
07:30
$45.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Albuquerque.
Learn more about the host city, Albuquerque.
Albuquerque, also known as ABQ, is a vibrant, sprawling city near the center of New Mexico. Cradled in the Rio Grande Valley beneath the Sandia Mountains, it is by far the largest city in the state, acting as the media, educational, and economic center of New Mexico, as well as the home of the state's only major airport, making it a common entry point into New Mexico. Despite this, Albuquerque is often overshadowed as a tourist destination by Santa Fe, 60 miles (97 km) to the north.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Official finishing times from previous editions of Balloon Run.
| Place | Name | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Brianna Cordova | — | |
| 🥈 | Alison Carmona | — | |
| 🥉 | Dakota Tsosie | — | |
| 4 | Lakiesha Hoskie | — |
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Balloon Run.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
calendar_today Sep 13, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Oct 24, 2026
TREAD*HEAD [tred’hed’], (also tread-head) An individual or group of individuals who ride bicycles, or a group of indivi…
Read more
Nov 08, 2026
World's Best Running Series! No Time Limits Great Food Award-Winning Medals Loony Running Family! We RUN this country, …
Read more
Nov 09, 2026
World's Best Running Series! No Time Limits Great Food Award-Winning Medals Loony Running Family! We RUN this country, …
Read more
Sep 11, 2026
The Master of the Mountains Adventure Relay challenges competitors from across the country to "master the mountains". R…
Read more
