Balloon Run

Sat, Oct 3, 2026, 3:00 AM MDT

Location: 4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Type: Run

Race feel

Experience the magic of the Balloon Fiesta from a scenic course along the Rio Grande, offering a fun and memorable start to your weekend.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Festive
For a Cause

Great for

Family Friendly

Kick off Balloon Fiesta Weekend with the Balloon Run in Albuquerque. This event offers a half marathon, 10-mile, and 5K, providing a distance for every runner. Enjoy a scenic morning at Bosque School with views of the Rio Grande and hot air balloons. The race promises a high-quality experience with a fun, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere, complete with great swag, music, and post-race treats. It's a polished and enjoyable way to start your weekend.

What to expect

Enjoy a scenic course with views of the Rio Grande and hot air balloons. Choose from a Half Marathon, 10 Mile, or 5K distance. Look forward to professional timing, music, post-race snacks, and brews.

Standout details

Hot air balloon views
Scenic Rio Grande course
Family-friendly atmosphere
5K warm-up with an Olympian

Perks & features

Awards
Food & Drink
Medal
Shirt

From the public listing; confirm on the official site.

Course feel

A practical read on terrain, elevation, footing, and typical conditions.

Big Test

Typical course trends

Typically hilly
Higher-altitude area

Distances & registration

3 options

Use the official signup link above for all distances.

Half Marathon
1 option · closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT
5mo 5d 8h 23m left
- General entry
  Closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT · From $92.24
10 Mile
1 option · closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT
5mo 5d 8h 23m left
- General entry
  Closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT · From $86.90
5K
1 option · closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT
5mo 5d 8h 23m left
- General entry
  Closes Oct 3, 2026, 2:59 AM MDT · From $49.54

Built from public event details. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official event page before signing up.

From the organizer

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.

Organized by locals Supports local causes Scenic Rio Grande course Hot air balloon views Start and finish at Bosque School Family-friendly atmosphere Professional chip timing Great swag and race-day perks Run with Olympians! 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:

Long sleeve race shirt Big 'Ol Finisher medal Chip timing Custom fun bib Post-race snacks and brews Half Marathon and 10 Mile participants also receive:

Race hat Spike bag Sunglasses Energy gel station 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.