2026 EDITION IS SOLD OUT!
IMPORTANT RACE DAY INFORMATION
Hi runners,
Balloon Run is just a few days away, and this year’s standard entries are sold out and record-breaking! Because many people really wanted to race this one, we enabled a limited 'basic entry' with no swag and a different bib and medal. We can’t wait to welcome all of you on Saturday, October 3.
Packet pickup — Friday, October 2
2:00–7:00 PM at Sawmill Market, 1909 Bellamah Ave NW. Find us in the yard and have your registration QR code ready. Someone else may pick up your packet if they have your QR code. Please, you must pick up on Friday; race-morning pickup is for approved exceptions only.
A few businesses in Sawmill Market are offering our participants a 10% discount (excluding alcohol):
- Taco Takeout
- Mercantile Café
- Flora Restaurant (opens at 5pm)
- Red & Green
- Sweets
- Lemon & Brine
Parking and start
Parking is free on the Bosque School grounds, 4000 Bosque School Rd NW. The main parking area is on the north side of campus. There are additional parking spots throughout campus.
Race starts — Saturday, October 3
- 7:00 AM — Half Marathon
- 7:30 AM — 10 Mile
- 8:00 AM — 5K
Before the 5K, join our warm-up led by a two-time Olympian!
The most important course reminder: stay to the RIGHT at all times. Our out-and-back course uses a narrow bike path that remains open to other people and it's a busy time in Albuquerque. Familiarize yourself with the course maps, be respectful, and please leave headphones, dogs, and strollers at home.
***The first quarter mile is on a dirt road with puddles and uneven surfaces, so please be careful. The rest of the run is on a paved bike path.
***Slower runners and walkers, please start at the end of the pack.
And, of course, look up at the balloons! Their flight depends on the weather, but conditions are looking promising. Enjoy the view while staying aware of the path and the people around you; smile at our photographers!
There will be a few water and hydration stops on the course, with energy gels available for 10-mile and half-marathon runners only at the Alameda turnaround (State Farm tent- it is the 5th mile of the 10-mile race and the 8th mile of the half-marathon).
After you finish, stick around for Globitos, RedBull, a recovery zone provided by Brickz Wellness, a hydration booth with our friends from Trail Gains, pastries by Eat Well ABQ, bananas, Athletics Brewing, photo walls, beach chairs, and our vendors. Albuquerque Running Fiesta tent will also be there. Please stop by their booths and see what they’ve brought for you.
On a side note, our spike bags/drawstring bags delivery went missing. However, it is your gain - to replace that, we will give you an item of much higher value ON Running socks instead.
You can find more race information at balloonrun.com.
See you at Bosque School,
The Balloon Run Team
The race starts at the beautiful Bosque School grounds and continues along the Paseo Del Bosque Trail towards the 500+ hot air balloons flying overhead, sometimes even landing right on the path.
All finishers receive:
- custom balloon-shaped bib number
- chip-timed race
- official result time
- finisher's medal (balloon shape)
- tech long sleeve with a custom logo
- post-race drinks and snacks
- free photos
- age group awards: top 3 will receive a custom mug
- 10-milers and half-marathoners will also receive sunglasses, a spike bag (UPDATE: ON SOCKS), and a dry-fit hat
OVERALL TOP 3 MALE AND FEMALE FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE A $200 GIFT CARD TO NOW FOODS!
Age groups: top 3 will receive a mug: 0-14, 15-20, 21-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
- 6:00 AM: PACKET PICK UP STARTS (exceptions only)
- 7:00 AM: HALF-MARATHON STARTS
- 7:30 AM: 10-MILE STARTS
- 8:00 AM: 5K STARTS
PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, October 2nd, 2026.
From 2 pm to 7 pm.
Sawmill Market
1909 Bellamah Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Information
Walk through Sawmill Market into the yard; we will be in the corner there.
Have your QR code ready for a faster process.
You can pick up others' packets, but have their QR code.
Packet pickup is mandatory (unless we different arrangement proven by email from us)
Shirts can be exchanged, but after the event. You will get the one you selected during registration.
Events
Half Marathon
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends October 3, 2026 at 6:59am MDT
10 mile
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends October 3, 2026 at 6:59am MDT
5k
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends October 3, 2026 at 6:59am MDT
LATE 10-mile ENTRY - bib and medal only
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends October 3, 2026 at 7:00am MDT
LATE Half Marathon Entry -bib and medal only
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends October 3, 2026 at 7:00am MDT
MAPS
HALF-MARATHON MAP
10-MILE MAP
5K MAP
Event Highlights
YOU LEAVE WITH A PIECE OF BALLOON FIESTA
WARM UP LEAD BY A LOCAL 2 X OLYMPIAN
UNINTERRUPTED WAY TO EXPERIENCE 500+ BALLOONS
RUNNERS FIRST DESIGN
Photos
Sorry, no albums are available.
Reviews
Loved the atmosphere. Great energy, friendly volunteers, and a beautiful course. The balloons added something special you just don’t get at other races. I’ve done the big balloon run before, and this is on a different level. More personal, better organized, and way more enjoyable. I’ll be back every year.
Brian L., Phoenix
You can tell this was put together by someone who understands runners. The course made sense, the timing was clean, and everything flowed. Plus the sunrise with balloons over Rio Grande was unreal.
Jessica R., Santa Fe
Everything was simple and easy, in the best way. Parking, check-in, start line, no confusion. Just show up, run, and enjoy a really special setting.”
David K., Los Alamos
The mix of high quality organization, beautiful nature and balloons made this feel like a destination race. It was peaceful, beautiful, and really well executed.
Arlene A., Austin
