Balloon Run
- Date Sat 3rd October 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Price $49.54 - $92.24
- Races 3 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Get ready to kick off Balloon Fiesta weekend with the exciting Balloon Run on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in beautiful Albuquerque, Bernalillo! This vibrant event offers a choice of three race distances: a brand new Half Marathon, a challenging 10 Mile, and a fun 5K, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rio Grande at Bosque School, participants can soak in the breathtaking views of hot air balloons as they race through a scenic course.
The Balloon Run promises a festive atmosphere filled with music, camaraderie, and plenty of perks for all entrants, including a long sleeve race shirt, a big finisher medal, and post-race snacks and brews. For those taking on the Half Marathon and 10 Mile, additional goodies like a race hat, spike bag, and sunglasses await! With professional chip timing, prizes for overall and age group winners, and even a costume contest, this event is designed to be both competitive and family-friendly. Join us for an unforgettable race day experience that celebrates the spirit of the local community and the joy of running!
The Balloon Run promises a festive atmosphere filled with music, camaraderie, and plenty of perks for all entrants, including a long sleeve race shirt, a big finisher medal, and post-race snacks and brews. For those taking on the Half Marathon and 10 Mile, additional goodies like a race hat, spike bag, and sunglasses await! With professional chip timing, prizes for overall and age group winners, and even a costume contest, this event is designed to be both competitive and family-friendly. Join us for an unforgettable race day experience that celebrates the spirit of the local community and the joy of running!
Organiser's Description
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.
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.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $7.24 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$92.24
13.1 miles of beautiful views. Out and back course. Energy gels and water on course. Every participant will receive a high-quality long-sleeve event shirt, a custom finisher medal, a spike bag, sunglasses, and a hat. -
10 Mile
Incl. $6.90 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:15AM MDT)
$86.90
10 miles of beautiful views. Out and back course. Energy gels and water halfway through. Every participant will receive a high-quality long-sleeve event shirt, a custom finisher medal, a spike bag, sunglasses, and a hat. -
5k
Incl. $4.54 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:30AM MDT)
$49.54
Out and back course. Every participant will receive a high-quality long-sleeve event shirt and a custom finisher medal.
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4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, 87120, NM, United States
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