Balloon Run
- Date Sat 3rd October 2026
- Time 7:00AM MDT
- Location Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Price $65.55 - $118.93
- Races 5 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10 Mile, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable kickoff to Balloon Fiesta Weekend at the Balloon Run 2026, happening on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in the picturesque Albuquerque, Bernalillo. This vibrant event offers a fantastic selection of race distances to suit everyone, including a new Half Marathon, a challenging 10 Mile, and a fun-filled 5K. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rio Grande and the iconic hot air balloons, participants can look forward to a scenic race morning at Bosque School, complete with professional chip timing, live music, and a lively atmosphere that welcomes runners and families alike.
The Balloon Run promises not just a race, but a memorable experience filled with participant perks like long sleeve race shirts, finisher medals, and post-race snacks. Plus, the excitement doesn't stop there! Enjoy special rewards for Half Marathon and 10 Mile participants, including race hats and sunglasses. With a costume contest, warm-up led by Olympians, and opportunities for awards, this event is all about fun and community spirit. Join us for a day of running, celebration, and breathtaking views as we kick off the Balloon Fiesta in style!
The Balloon Run promises not just a race, but a memorable experience filled with participant perks like long sleeve race shirts, finisher medals, and post-race snacks. Plus, the excitement doesn't stop there! Enjoy special rewards for Half Marathon and 10 Mile participants, including race hats and sunglasses. With a costume contest, warm-up led by Olympians, and opportunities for awards, this event is all about fun and community spirit. Join us for a day of running, celebration, and breathtaking views as we kick off the Balloon Fiesta in style!
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 (UPDATE: ON SOCKS)
* Sunglasses
* Energy gel station
*** 9/28 UPDATE: LATE ENTRY! DUE TO MANY OF YOU WANTING TO RACE, WE OPENED A SPECIAL LATE ENTRY. NO SHIRTS, HATS, SUNGLASSES, OR SPIKE BAGS. JUST AN OPPORTUNITY TO RUN THE RACE WITH A SPECIAL HOT AIR BALLOON-SHAPED BIB NUMBER. YOU STILL GET A MEDAL - JUST A DIFFERENT BALLOON SHAPE WITHOUT 2026 ON IT. YOU STILL CAN ENJOY THE POST-RACE FESTIVAL, FREE RACE PHOTOS, OPPORTUNITY TO SCORE AND PLACE IN THE TOP 3.
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 (UPDATE: ON SOCKS)
* Sunglasses
* Energy gel station
*** 9/28 UPDATE: LATE ENTRY! DUE TO MANY OF YOU WANTING TO RACE, WE OPENED A SPECIAL LATE ENTRY. NO SHIRTS, HATS, SUNGLASSES, OR SPIKE BAGS. JUST AN OPPORTUNITY TO RUN THE RACE WITH A SPECIAL HOT AIR BALLOON-SHAPED BIB NUMBER. YOU STILL GET A MEDAL - JUST A DIFFERENT BALLOON SHAPE WITHOUT 2026 ON IT. YOU STILL CAN ENJOY THE POST-RACE FESTIVAL, FREE RACE PHOTOS, OPPORTUNITY TO SCORE AND PLACE IN THE TOP 3.
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. $8.93 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$118.93
CLOSED13.1 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. $8.25 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:30AM MDT)
$108.25
CLOSED10 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. $5.89 Fee & Long-Sleeve Shirt
Sat 3rd October 2026 (8:00AM MDT)
$70.89
CLOSEDOut and back course. Every participant will receive a high-quality long-sleeve event shirt and a custom finisher medal. -
LATE 10-Mile ENTRY - Bib and Medal Only
Incl. $5.55 Fee
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:30AM MDT)
$65.55
CLOSEDBalloon-shaped bib number from previous edition. Hot air balloon-shaped medal at the finish line -not dated. No shirt in this registration. Packet pickup - only bib number - possible to do so on race morning. -
LATE Half Marathon Entry -Bib and Medal Only
Incl. $5.89 Fee
Sat 3rd October 2026 (7:00AM MDT)
$70.89
CLOSEDBalloon-shaped bib number from previous edition. Hot air balloon-shaped medal at the finish line -not dated. No shirt in this registration. Packet pickup - only bib number - possible to do so on race morning.
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4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, 87120, NM, United States
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