Balloon Chase 2026

The Great Balloon Chase is a New Mexico race weekend connected to the large hot air balloon gathering in Albuquerque. Runners can select a half marathon, 10K, or 5K run/walk. It takes place in early October, coinciding with the balloons' presence in the sky. RaceNM presents it as a destination race designed around observing the balloons ascend as participants run. The course features the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande River Valley as its setting. This scenery is a significant attraction, despite the race offering standard road-race distances. The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Past results and photos cover several previous editions. The initial 1,000 registrants will receive a commemorative jacket. Those who register late might not receive their preferred shirt size, and their finisher medal could differ from the primary group.