Balloon Run 2026
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Start time
- 7:00 AM start (Denver)
- Location
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Entry fee
- From $65 · goes up to $120 on Oct 1, 2026
- Included with entry
- Includes a shirt
- Fundraising
- Takes optional donations when you register
Registration is open.
We earn a small commission when you register through this link, at no cost to you. Details
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Events and entry fees
| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Oct 3, 20267:00 AM | $110$120 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
| 10 mile | 10 Mile | Oct 3, 20267:30 AM | $100$110 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
| 5k | 5K | Oct 3, 20268:00 AM | $65$70 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The Half Marathon fee goes up to $120 on Oct 1, 2026.
Race day planning
Entry fee schedule
- Half Marathon: $110 until Oct 1, then $120 until Oct 3.
- 10 mile: $100 until Oct 1, then $110 until Oct 3.
- 5k: $65 until Oct 1, then $70 until Oct 3.
Online registration closes Oct 3, 2026, unless the race fills first.
How the price compares
At $110, entry is about 83 percent above a typical half marathon in New Mexico, which costs $60 right now.
What a typical finish looks like
A typical finisher at a half marathon in Albuquerque runs 2:20:15, about 10:42 a mile, based on 6 races with published results. Women typically finish in 2:30:16 and men in 2:04:14.
Light and altitude
Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:02 AM, and the Half Marathon starts at 7:00 AM. The start sits about 5,750 feet above sea level, high enough that most runners from lower ground run noticeably slower.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Start location and course
4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Typical race-day weather
Around October 3 the day usually runs from 54°F at dawn to 77°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 11% of days. Cold snaps dip to 49°F and hot years reach 85°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
Race details
- Where
- 4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120Map
- Course
- Road
- Start elevation
- About 5,750 feet
- Results posted by the race
- Live Results, Text Message Updates
- Included with entry
- Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Donations
- Accepted when you register
- Distances
- 5K, 10 Mile, Half Marathon
- Editions
- 2026 (Oct 3, 2026), 2025 (Oct 12, 2025), 2024 (Oct 13, 2024)
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Plan your race
Quick answers
- When is Balloon Run?
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
- How much does it cost?
- Entry starts at $65 before processing fees, and rises to $120 on Oct 1, 2026.
- When does registration close?
- Online registration closes Oct 3, 2026, unless the race fills first.
- Is the entry fee high for New Mexico?
- At $110, entry is about 83 percent above a typical half marathon in New Mexico, which costs $60 right now.
- Do runners get a shirt or medal?
- Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
- Can I donate to a cause when I register?
- Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
- What distances can I run?
- 5K, 10 Mile, Half Marathon.
- Where does it start?
- 4000 Bosque School Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.
From the organizers
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!