Balloon Run
Balloon Run is a running race on October 3, 2026 in Albuquerque, NM, with entry fees from $45 to $85.
- Date
- October 3, 2026 (72 days to go)
- Price
- $45–$85
- Sport
- Running
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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
78°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
15%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Petroglyph Natl Mon.
Host City
About Albuquerque, NM
Population
562,488
as of 2023
City Elevation
4,979 ft
Nearest Airport
ABQ
Albuquerque International Sunport · 3 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Balloon Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Albuquerque, NM
LICKETY SPLITZ POPSICLE RUN
1K · 5K · 10K · From $18 · 6440 Coors Blvd. NW
2 miles away
NM SUNFLOWER RUN
5K · 10K · From $45 · 733 Chavez Rd. NW
3 miles away
NM CHIPS AND SALSA HALF MARATHON + 10K, 5K RUN OR WALK AND KIDS K
1K · 5K · 10K · Half Marathon · From $15 · 9169 Coors. Rd. NW
3 miles away
Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon
5K · 10K · Half Marathon · From $70 · 6000 Los Poblanos Feild Trail
4 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Albuquerque than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to AlbuquerqueFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Balloon Run?+
When and where is the Balloon Run?+
How do I register for the Balloon Run?+
Balloon Run
Oct 3, 2026