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Duke City Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Race Date: 10/18/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Duke City Marathon Description
The Duke City Marathon is New Mexico’s premier running event, starting and finishing at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque each October. The out-and-back course follows historic Route 66 onto the scenic Paseo del Bosque Trail along the Rio Grande, with sweeping views of the Sandia Mountains and stops through the Village of Los Ranchos and Old Town Albuquerque. Set at roughly 5,000 feet above sea level, this Boston-qualifying course is relatively flat but tests runners with high-altitude air. Pace groups help runners of every level adjust to the thinner air and chase a fast finish.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Duke City Marathon Additional Details:
Timing the race for October means runners catch the Rio Grande bosque at its best, the cottonwood trees lining the Paseo del Bosque Trail turn gold with fall color right as the course winds beneath them, a New Mexico specialty most out-of-town runners have never seen. The finish at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza carries some local history too, it’s named for the Albuquerque mayor who founded the race back in 1984, and its downtown location puts restaurants, bars, and hotels within easy walking distance for both pre-race coffee and post-race recovery. Aid stations arrive roughly every two miles with water and Gatorade, though runners used to on-course food or energy products should plan to carry their own, since this course keeps things simple rather than elaborate.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 800-900
Marathon: 450 to 500
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 123 ft (full), 20 ft (half)
Elevation Loss: 123 ft (full), 20 ft (half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 45°F
- High: 73°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Albuquerque, NM, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
West Bluff Park
Catch sunrise or sunset from this westside overlook, where a gazebo frames the Albuquerque skyline against the Sandia Mountains — an easy, flat stop that’s kind to tired legs.
Food & Drink
Marble Brewery
Unwind with an award-winning IPA or red ale at this longtime local craft brewery with multiple Albuquerque locations — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line without overdoing it.
Arts & Culture
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Tour galleries, art installations, and performance spaces celebrating Hispanic art, history, and culture across New Mexico — a relaxed, indoor way to explore Albuquerque’s heritage after race day.
Shopping
Old Town Plaza
Browse handcrafted turquoise jewelry and Southwestern goods sold by native artists under the historic plaza’s portal — flat, walkable shopping just steps from Old Town’s adobe streets.
Museums & History
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
Explore the story of the atomic age through interactive exhibits on nuclear science and history — an air-conditioned, seated-friendly option for recovering legs after race weekend.
Sports & Entertainment
Isotopes Park
Catch a low-key Triple-A baseball game at the Isotopes’ home field, complete with local eats like Dion’s pizza and funnel cakes — an easy, seated way to spend an evening.
Outdoors & Trails
Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway
Ride the world’s longest passenger tramway to the 10,378-foot summit of the Sandia Mountains for sweeping city views and easy overlook trails — a scenic, low-impact way to spend a taper day.
Landmark
KiMo Theatre
Step inside this 1927 Pueblo Deco landmark on historic Route 66 in Downtown Albuquerque, one of the city’s most photographed buildings — an easy, short walk from most downtown hotels.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
ABQ BioPark
Wander the zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden all in one easy-to-navigate park along the Rio Grande — a gentle, shaded outing that’s ideal for tapering or recovering runners.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Duke City Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes