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Marathon Details - The Albuquerque Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NM > Albuquerque > The Albuquerque Marathon

The Albuquerque Marathon

The Albuquerque Marathon & Half Marathon

Albuquerque, NM USA

September 25, 2021

http://www.RunSandiaCrest.com

Marathon Results

By Year:

2021 2019 2018 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Downhill, fast, beautiful

Contact Information

Name:	Troy Brown
Address:	9227 Vintner Dr NE Albuquerque NM, 87122
Phone Number:	5055535402
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (38)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 38 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

J. D. from New Mexico (9/21/2019) "fun downhill race" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 The Albuquerque Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Like all downhill races, the second half can be pretty tough. But the race is well organized, and views from the top are great!
C. L. from New Mexico (9/20/2019) "Misleading" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was advertised as the fastest course east of the Rio Grande. I highly doubt this is true. Obviously the first six miles are lightning fast, but the total ascent made this marathon slightly tougher than a typical race. The elevation graph online showed the two large uphills in the first half, but did not show the rolling hills in the second half. I think you should be much more upfront about the total uphill milage. This will change people's strategy. I bet a lot of people were bummed out when these fairly steep hills came out of no where and had to start walking. Saying this is the fastest course east of the Rio Grande isn't fair. It's a beautiful course and a great challenge.
E. R. from Dallas Texas (9/18/2019) "so well organized" (about: 2019) 1 previous marathon \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There was enough water and porta potties on the route. The volunteers were great. The route was AWESOME. Enjoyed this race.
M. D. from USA (9/18/2019) "Challenging and well organized race." (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Well organized, first half is scenic and overall a fairly challenging course. Good start temp of 53F but second half was too warm with finish temp of 79F. Consider moving the race to later in the month.
J. S. from New Hampshire (9/18/2019) "Unique small race experience in NM" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Stunning sunrise from 9,400'. The first 10 miles were spectacular. Empty mountain rd with beautiful switchbacks. Second half still pretty, great volunteers at the aid stations helped. No crowd support if you are looking for that kind of thing. Well organized, nice medal and shirt, responsive RD quickly answered questions via email.
T. A. from Kansas (9/18/2019) "Well-organized and well-supported" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Challenging, well-organized race. Aid stations well-stocked and conveniently placed. I did not lack for nutrition or water. People were supportive. Though the elevation descends throughout the race, it is not all downhill. The first 11 miles are drastically downhill, but the rest of the course includes rolling hills. Be prepared. Finish line service was phenomenal.
K. Z. from Virginia (9/18/2019) "26.2 Miles of Quad Busting Fun!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Extremely well run event, with terrific volunteers. Be prepared for a challenging course with altitude, hills and heat! The first uphill around mile 4 separates the flatlanders (which was us!) from those used to the elevation! The downhills are steep early on, but become more gradual later in the race. The course is well marked, well marshalled, and well stocked with aid stations. The finish line area is amazing for such a small race. Great post race food options, cold lavender washcloths, and immediate race results. Highly recommend Sandia Crest!!
J. E. from Pennsylvania USA (9/16/2019) "Don't let the elevation chart deceive you" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My 89th marathon. For only being a second year race, I was impressed with the organization. We flew from Pennsylvania early morning so had all day to explore Albuquerque Friday. The airport is small and we rented a car. Host hotel rate was $109 at Sheraton uptown. Nice hotel, allowed 1pm checkout and best of all, a shuttle left directly from hotel to start at 4:45am so family didn't have to drive me. Plus they had water, bananas, apples for us. The expo is few miles away at high end sports store. Quick, organized, backdrops for photos, great dry fit tank but ladies...it runs really small. I usually wear a small and even the medium feels a bit like compression so size up 1-2 sizes. Right around hotel is all kinds of places to eat so you could uber to expo and not get a car if you were really saving money, but I like the freedom. Also, not sure how you'd get back to the hotel postrun. Loved the 6:30am start. Would actually like a 6am to avoid some additional heat. Our bus arrived at 5:51am so not too long to wait around. It was 42 degrees at the crest but in our packet pickup they had gloves & blanket...thank you. Layer clothes and Goodwill picks them up. It warmed up real fast. By mile 3 I was fine. By mile 16 it was hot. At 11am my Garmin read 80 degrees and there's zero shade the last 6 plus miles in more of an urban area. Loved the first half and it was downhill for sure with 2 inclines. Mile 20 on was flatter with some long inclines that were hard on spent squads, still at 6000 feet elevation. Medal was decent. Finish line had an announcer, food, massage etc. Aid was about 2-2.5 miles with no gels. Some had fruit and the otter pops were appreciated. Postrace we returned to hotel for a shower then drove up the turquoise trail to Santa Dr, stopping in old mining town for food, eclectic shopping and margaritas. Santa Fe is only an hour away and worth the trip. Incredible food and drink places. Shopping is pricey ie Aspen-like but fun to walk around. Volunteers were so friendly and encouraging. Loved that race directors grandma send us off at 630am. I feel it was a terrific race, organized, not too huge but beware of going out fast. It is NOT all downhill. Investigate runners comments so you're not a hater on the race director. It's a massive loss of elevation especially the initial half but it's not all downhill and certainly not easy. However, seeing the sunrise made it worthwhile. Starting above 10000 ft elevation coming from sea level scared me. Go slow, hydrate and because it's downhill you'll feel fine. Where I really noticed the altitude was any incline or even the flat sections. I only have spectators 3 stars because there weren't any except the aid stations. Course got 4 stars because I don't like hot or hills. Thank you New Mexico...fun weekend!
S. T. from NM (6/23/2019) "VIP baby" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Awesome first year marathon, for sure the best race and organization that NM has to offer. I went for the VIP and it didn't disappoint. Great volunteers, comfy charter bus with a nice clean bathroom on board. Also the post race care for the VIP's was top notch. Weather was a little warm which was unfortunate but you can't control that. The weather the week before and the week after was perfect, just bad luck on that. Beautiful views, first 1/2 was unforgettable.
C. G. from Overland Park, KS (10/30/2018) "Great inaugural effort, November would be better" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Pros: Downhill, scenic course the first half Race day logistics were easy - I parked within 200m of the start/finish, so was able to get back to the motel, shower and be at the airport within an hour of finishing. Swag was good - I prefer tech shirts but the graphics were nice, as was the hat. Cons: Course monitors at course turns/street intersections would be helpful....I missed a 90 degree turn after mile 25 at a busy intersection, my fault for being disoriented but it would've been nice to have someone directing runners. Nit-picking: for an entry fee well over $100 the post race food and drink should include a lot more than donuts and water. Suggestion: Nothing the RD could do about it this year but the heat and sun w/ no shade made the last half of the race a struggle. Not a surprise in NM in mid-September. If this race were moved to November or later it would be nice - I'd rather deal with freezing at the start than wilting the last hour+ of the race. Props to the organizers for creating a nice alternative to the other NM marathons. I would definitely run this race again if it weren't scheduled in mid-September.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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J. D. from New Mexico (9/21/2019) "fun downhill race" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 The Albuquerque Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Like all downhill races, the second half can be pretty tough. But the race is well organized, and views from the top are great!
C. L. from New Mexico (9/20/2019) "Misleading" (about: 2019) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This was advertised as the fastest course east of the Rio Grande. I highly doubt this is true. Obviously the first six miles are lightning fast, but the total ascent made this marathon slightly tougher than a typical race. The elevation graph online showed the two large uphills in the first half, but did not show the rolling hills in the second half. I think you should be much more upfront about the total uphill milage. This will change people's strategy. I bet a lot of people were bummed out when these fairly steep hills came out of no where and had to start walking. Saying this is the fastest course east of the Rio Grande isn't fair. It's a beautiful course and a great challenge.
E. R. from Dallas Texas (9/18/2019) "so well organized" (about: 2019) 1 previous marathon \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 There was enough water and porta potties on the route. The volunteers were great. The route was AWESOME. Enjoyed this race.
M. D. from USA (9/18/2019) "Challenging and well organized race." (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Well organized, first half is scenic and overall a fairly challenging course. Good start temp of 53F but second half was too warm with finish temp of 79F. Consider moving the race to later in the month.
J. S. from New Hampshire (9/18/2019) "Unique small race experience in NM" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Stunning sunrise from 9,400'. The first 10 miles were spectacular. Empty mountain rd with beautiful switchbacks. Second half still pretty, great volunteers at the aid stations helped. No crowd support if you are looking for that kind of thing. Well organized, nice medal and shirt, responsive RD quickly answered questions via email.
T. A. from Kansas (9/18/2019) "Well-organized and well-supported" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Challenging, well-organized race. Aid stations well-stocked and conveniently placed. I did not lack for nutrition or water. People were supportive. Though the elevation descends throughout the race, it is not all downhill. The first 11 miles are drastically downhill, but the rest of the course includes rolling hills. Be prepared. Finish line service was phenomenal.
K. Z. from Virginia (9/18/2019) "26.2 Miles of Quad Busting Fun!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Extremely well run event, with terrific volunteers. Be prepared for a challenging course with altitude, hills and heat! The first uphill around mile 4 separates the flatlanders (which was us!) from those used to the elevation! The downhills are steep early on, but become more gradual later in the race. The course is well marked, well marshalled, and well stocked with aid stations. The finish line area is amazing for such a small race. Great post race food options, cold lavender washcloths, and immediate race results. Highly recommend Sandia Crest!!
J. E. from Pennsylvania USA (9/16/2019) "Don't let the elevation chart deceive you" (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 My 89th marathon. For only being a second year race, I was impressed with the organization. We flew from Pennsylvania early morning so had all day to explore Albuquerque Friday. The airport is small and we rented a car. Host hotel rate was $109 at Sheraton uptown. Nice hotel, allowed 1pm checkout and best of all, a shuttle left directly from hotel to start at 4:45am so family didn't have to drive me. Plus they had water, bananas, apples for us. The expo is few miles away at high end sports store. Quick, organized, backdrops for photos, great dry fit tank but ladies...it runs really small. I usually wear a small and even the medium feels a bit like compression so size up 1-2 sizes. Right around hotel is all kinds of places to eat so you could uber to expo and not get a car if you were really saving money, but I like the freedom. Also, not sure how you'd get back to the hotel postrun. Loved the 6:30am start. Would actually like a 6am to avoid some additional heat. Our bus arrived at 5:51am so not too long to wait around. It was 42 degrees at the crest but in our packet pickup they had gloves & blanket...thank you. Layer clothes and Goodwill picks them up. It warmed up real fast. By mile 3 I was fine. By mile 16 it was hot. At 11am my Garmin read 80 degrees and there's zero shade the last 6 plus miles in more of an urban area. Loved the first half and it was downhill for sure with 2 inclines. Mile 20 on was flatter with some long inclines that were hard on spent squads, still at 6000 feet elevation. Medal was decent. Finish line had an announcer, food, massage etc. Aid was about 2-2.5 miles with no gels. Some had fruit and the otter pops were appreciated. Postrace we returned to hotel for a shower then drove up the turquoise trail to Santa Dr, stopping in old mining town for food, eclectic shopping and margaritas. Santa Fe is only an hour away and worth the trip. Incredible food and drink places. Shopping is pricey ie Aspen-like but fun to walk around. Volunteers were so friendly and encouraging. Loved that race directors grandma send us off at 630am. I feel it was a terrific race, organized, not too huge but beware of going out fast. It is NOT all downhill. Investigate runners comments so you're not a hater on the race director. It's a massive loss of elevation especially the initial half but it's not all downhill and certainly not easy. However, seeing the sunrise made it worthwhile. Starting above 10000 ft elevation coming from sea level scared me. Go slow, hydrate and because it's downhill you'll feel fine. Where I really noticed the altitude was any incline or even the flat sections. I only have spectators 3 stars because there weren't any except the aid stations. Course got 4 stars because I don't like hot or hills. Thank you New Mexico...fun weekend!
S. T. from NM (6/23/2019) "VIP baby" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Awesome first year marathon, for sure the best race and organization that NM has to offer. I went for the VIP and it didn't disappoint. Great volunteers, comfy charter bus with a nice clean bathroom on board. Also the post race care for the VIP's was top notch. Weather was a little warm which was unfortunate but you can't control that. The weather the week before and the week after was perfect, just bad luck on that. Beautiful views, first 1/2 was unforgettable.
C. G. from Overland Park, KS (10/30/2018) "Great inaugural effort, November would be better" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Albuquerque Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Pros: Downhill, scenic course the first half Race day logistics were easy - I parked within 200m of the start/finish, so was able to get back to the motel, shower and be at the airport within an hour of finishing. Swag was good - I prefer tech shirts but the graphics were nice, as was the hat. Cons: Course monitors at course turns/street intersections would be helpful....I missed a 90 degree turn after mile 25 at a busy intersection, my fault for being disoriented but it would've been nice to have someone directing runners. Nit-picking: for an entry fee well over $100 the post race food and drink should include a lot more than donuts and water. Suggestion: Nothing the RD could do about it this year but the heat and sun w/ no shade made the last half of the race a struggle. Not a surprise in NM in mid-September. If this race were moved to November or later it would be nice - I'd rather deal with freezing at the start than wilting the last hour+ of the race. Props to the organizers for creating a nice alternative to the other NM marathons. I would definitely run this race again if it weren't scheduled in mid-September.

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Marathon Details - The Albuquerque Marathon