Day of the Dead - Day 1 and Day 2 2026

Day of the Dead - Day 1 and Day 2 is a late-October race weekend held at the South End Trail Head of La Llorona Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This event is part of the Dead Running Series. Both days feature distances from 5K and 10K up through the half marathon, marathon, 50K, 100K, and 100 miler. All races begin at 7:00 AM, with an optional 6:00 AM start for those running the half marathon and longer distances. Walkers are welcome, strollers are permitted for participants with small children, and the event follows a “no runner left behind” policy. The course is fast, flat, and paved, with a crushed gravel lane alongside. This setup suits first-time distance goals and personal-best attempts. The 5K and 10K follow simple out-and-back routes. The longer races repeat a 1.1-mile out-and-back section, passing a Super Aid Station multiple times. The marathon course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston qualifier. Aid stations provide a wide selection of food and drinks, and runners can refill water bottles at a dedicated table. Each participant receives a T-shirt, and each finisher earns a medal for each day. Anyone completing back-to-back 50K, 100K, or 100-mile races gets a special Day of the Dead belt buckle and medal.