I’m running the ABQ Running Fiesta Half Marathon in memory of my dad, who passed away from cancer last year. He was the one who first got me into running—we used to jog together on weekends, no matter the weather.
This will be my first official race without him cheering from the sidelines, but I’ll carry his spirit with every mile. I’ve written his initials on my shoes and plan to leave everything out there on the course.
Finishing this race is my tribute to him and the strength he passed on to me.

– Jasmine R., 29 – Albuquerque, NM

As a non-binary runner, I never thought I’d see a race that acknowledged people like me. The fact that the ABQ Running Fiesta includes a non-binary division means more than words can say.
Running gives me peace, clarity, and a sense of control in a chaotic world. I’ll be doing the full marathon—not just to test my limits, but to show others that we belong here, too.

– Alex S., 33 – Santa Fe, NM

I started my running journey 2 years ago when my mom who was already an experienced runner, motivated me to start. Since then, I’ve lost 60+ pounds and just recently I’ve been able to do half a marathon. We’ve both participated in different running events all over New Mexico and the ABQ Running Fiesta was a perfect event where we continued to do what we love and share it with other fellow runners. Definitely the best marathon in New Mexico. 

-Alex - Deming

To prove to myself I could do it.

-Gabrielle, 29 - Albuquerue

I signed up for the Albuquerque Running Fiesta marathon not knowing if I was capable of finishing 26.2 miles. I wasn’t chasing a time. I was chasing proof that I could do hard things again.

Training was messy. Some weeks I ran four days. Some weeks I ran once. Life kept happening. Work stress, family stuff, self-doubt. But every long run, I pictured that November morning in Albuquerque. Clear skies. Cool air. A flat course. Pacers who wouldn’t judge me.

Race morning felt calm in a way I didn’t expect. The start line energy was real but not overwhelming. People talked to each other. Volunteers smiled like they meant it. It didn’t feel like a massive impersonal marathon. It felt like a community event that happened to include a marathon.

The course was honest. Flat, wide, well marked. Aid stations were frequent and stocked. Water, energy gels, encouragement. I walked when I needed to. I ran when I could. No pressure.

Around mile 20, I cried. Not because it hurt, but because I realized I was going to finish. A volunteer told me “you look strong” and I believed them.

Crossing the finish line at the Albuquerque Running Fiesta wasn’t about a medal, although the medal was beautiful. It was about reclaiming something I thought I had lost.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly marathon, a supportive race environment, and a reason to believe in yourself again, this race delivers.

- Jess - 

My WHY was my Great Grandpa George🤍 My Great Grandpa George lived in Pena Blanca. Growing up we would come visit & I loved his little adobe. I got older, life gets busy & the last time I was in Pena Blanca was 2021. So I thought this would be a perfect time to come run & see my Great Grandpa George. I am his great granddaughter, & would be bringing my daughter (his great-great granddaughter) to meet him. We were so excited. Unfortunately in May, he passed away. I was so sad & didn't know if I would still come to run because he wouldn't be there. He would've been 92 this November. I decided that I would run this race for my Great Grandpa George & all the fun memories I had of being in New Mexico. During the run I could feel him with me every step of the race. I met two new friends, Lindsay & Natalie, on the course. I truly think my Great Grandpa George played a part in me meeting them. He knew what I needed to get through this race. Anyways, he is my WHY & I can't wait to be back next year!

-Nia, 25 - Mesa, AZ

I am excited to participate in ABQ Running Fiesta because I am working on completing a USATF-certified half marathon in all 50 states. As a new resident to Texas, I am excited to explore the region through running. So, when looking at races in New Mexico, it immediately jumped out as a fun, well-operated race to help complete my quest.

-Steven, 48 - Lubbock, TX

A year ago, I couldn’t run a block without gasping for air. I was going through a tough divorce and needed something—anything—to focus on. I found a Couch to 5K program, and one run at a time, I rebuilt not just my stamina but my confidence.
Now, I’m registered for the ABQ Running Fiesta Half. I may not be the fastest, but I’ve come so far. This race is a celebration of growth, grit, and second chances. Running in New Mexico forever!

– Luis M., 42 – Rio Rancho, NM

Being a mom of todlers and a military wife is so fun, but also challenging- there are daily messes, tantrums, unknowns and miscommunications. I could feel myself slipping as I got into a rut of responding to life, depressed, waking up tired before the day even started. I love running because it engages me in all the aspects that make me me- emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and relationally. Whenever I'm feeling hopeless that things will never get better, or feeling disengaged with life, I discipline myself to get out there and run. So, I started training for the Albuquerque Run Fiesta, ready for a celebration of life and ready for all the growth that comes with routinely running. And you know what? The early mornings before the kids got up, the long Saturday runs while my husband sacrificed his time to help the boys, they slowly helped me heal and re-engage with life with a stronger determination and focus. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love yout neighbor as yourself. That's all the aspects of being a human- emotions, spirit, mental well being, physical well being, and social well being. When I bring all of this to Jesus, even the brokenness, I feel life flow back into the everyday rhythms of living. So, I ran, dressed as a skeleton to make my kids smile and my husband roll his eyes at me, and reminded myself to see the other people running too, to cheer them on in whatever brought them to running this race too.

-Jennifer G - Albuquerque, NM

At the age of 22, Newley Married and Hayden Holman was running the St. George Marathon on October 2, 2021. 2 minutes out from finishing his first marathon he called his mom to insure someone would be there to take his picture. As 2 minutes turned into what felt like forever, Hayden never did cross the finish. Later we found out he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest and later passed at the hospital. Unknowingly Hayden had a rare underlying heart condition and now the St. George Marathon does free heart scans. Hayden was my best friend like a brother. I lived with his family during part of my high school career. Since his sudden passing I always yearned for ways to feel close to him. It wasn’t until May of 2025 I finally felt his presence. A late night I decided for the first time ever I’m going to go for a run. As I put one foot after the other I felt closer to Hayden than I ever have. In honor of him I ran the St. George marathon this October 2025. As I hit my wall time and time again I felt encouragements from his presence. Hayden is my Why.

-Conner, 27 - Idaho Falls

For the past 7 years I watched my fiance do a half marathon yearly and sometimes twice per year. He and my 8 year old son started running 5K fun runs together when he was 6, and I thought it was so cool to see. Since July I have lost over 30 pounds and I wanted to push myself further. My 8 year old and I participated in the Duke City 5K and we decided this was something we loved to do together as a family. So we signed up for the ABQ running fiesta. I have genuinely found a love for running and staying active. I love that my son finds joy in it as well. I look forward to doing more runs with my family.

-Jennifer, 32 -Grants, NM

Being a mom of todlers and a military wife is so fun, but also challenging- there are daily messes, tantrums, unknowns and miscommunications. I could feel myself slipping as I got into a rut of responding to life, depressed, waking up tired before the day even started. I love running because it engages me in all the aspects that make me me- emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and relationally. Whenever I'm feeling hopeless that things will never get better, or feeling disengaged with life, I discipline myself to get out there and run. So, I started training for the Albuquerque Run Fiesta, ready for a celebration of life and ready for all the growth that comes with routinely running. And you know what? The early mornings before the kids got up, the long Saturday runs while my husband sacrificed his time to help the boys, they slowly helped me heal and re-engage with life with a stronger determination and focus. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love yout neighbor as yourself. That's all the aspects of being a human- emotions, spirit, mental well-being, physical well-being, and social well-being. When I bring all of this to Jesus, even the brokenness, I feel life flow back into the everyday rhythms of living. So, I ran, dressed as a skeleton to make my kids smile and my husband roll his eyes at me, and reminded myself to see the other people running too, to cheer them on in whatever brought them to running this race too.

- Jennifer - Albuquerque 

Running saved my life literally. Growing up, I was overweight and bullied, and my mental health took a serious hit. It got so bad that I almost took my own life. At the time, it felt like the only way out. But deep down I knew that if I did that, I’d be quitting on myself, my family, and everything in between. I was only 14. Back then, I used running as a punishment — after every meal, every morning, every day. I hated it. But somewhere along the line, something changed. Running started to reshape the way I thought, the way I saw myself, and the way I saw life. Somehow, someway and with God as my witness running saved my life.

-Patterson - Albuquerque