Balloon Run
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Distance
- Half Marathon · 10 mile · 5k
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
76°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
16%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Albuquerque Intl Ap, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Albuquerque, NM
Population
562,488
as of 2023
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.
Coming Up
More Running races near Albuquerque, NM
Fruit Loop Fun Run
Less than a mile away
Rio Retro 5K Run/ Walk
5K
Less than a mile away
CHERRY GARCIA RUN: 10K, 5K Run or Walk and Kids K
Youth
Less than a mile away
LAVENDER RUN
Less than a mile away
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 the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Balloon Run?
- Balloon Run is a running race held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 3, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Balloon Run?
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Balloon Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Balloon Run
Oct 3, 2026