Half Marathon versenyek South Valley közelében

Balloon Run starts and finishes at Bosque School in Albuquerque, with runners choosing a half marathon, 10-mile race, or 5K on the opening morning of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The races begin early, so the main spectacle is already overhead: hundreds of hot air balloons rising while runners move along the Rio Grande. It is a local race with chip timing, race shirts for all participants, music, and a setup aimed at both serious runners and families making a morning of it. The course follows the Rio Grande area, giving runners open views of the river and the balloon launch instead of a closed-in city route. The half marathon is the newest distance, while the 10-mile and 5K options keep the event accessible for people who want a shorter run. Local organizers run the event, it supports local causes, and the warm-up is led by a local two-time Olympian. Reviews point to simple parking and check-in, friendly volunteers, clean timing, and a more personal feel than the bigger balloon-themed races in town.

The Great Balloon Chase takes runners through Albuquerque with hot air balloons overhead from the world's largest ballooning event. The series offers a half marathon, 10K, and 5K run/walk, all starting and finishing at Los Poblanos Fields Open Space in the Rio Grande River Valley. The race pairs a regular running lineup with a distinct Albuquerque setting: balloons above, the Sandia Mountains nearby, and open fields around the start and finish. RaceNM presents the event; the half marathon is open to runners age 16 and older. The 10th anniversary includes commemorative jackets for the first 1,000 registrants.

A Little Rock Marathon március első hétvégéjén megy Little Rock, Arkansas városában. A fő szám egy hitelesített, 26.2-mile, egykörös marathon. 2003 óta rendezik, USATF által szentesített verseny, és Boston Marathon kvalifikációra is jó. Mind az 50 államból és több mint 15 országból jönnek futók és gyaloglók, amihez elég baráti, 8-hour marathon limit és 4-hour half-marathon limit társul. Van mellé ingyenes, egész éves edzésprogram is, a bevétel pedig a Little Rock Parks & Recreation munkáját támogatja. A pálya Downtown Little Rockból indul és oda is ér vissza, közben átmész az Arkansas River felett. Útba esik több ismert pont is: Arkansas State Capitol, River Market District, Clinton Presidential Center, Governor's Mansion, MacArthur Birthplace/Military Museum és Historic Little Rock Central High School. Nem sík pálya: a komolyabb emelkedő az elején jön, később még akad pár kisebb domb. Bill Rodgers futó úgy fogalmazott, hogy Little Rock "a little salty." A versenyben sok a poénos elem: minden évben saját téma, ahhoz passzoló merch és expo-dekor, jelmezes indulók, couch potato mile, Lipstick Stop, meg egy nagy finisher érem, ami állítólag évről évre egy picit még nagyobb lesz.

The Albuquerque Running Fiesta begins at Downtown Plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 5K on the same race program. This event is locally organized and includes chip timing, live tracking, aid stations, medical and police support, volunteers, and cheer teams along the course. Virtual marathon, half marathon, and 5K options are available for runners who prefer the event format without participating on the Albuquerque course. The route guides runners through downtown Albuquerque, passing Route 66 and the Rio Grande, with the Sandia Mountains visible. The finish culminates in a post-race festival offering live music, vendors, a recovery zone, a beer garden, local food, drinks, and cultural programming. Each finisher receives a Fiesta medal, an event shirt, and a race bib, with personalized bibs offered to runners who register early; age-group awards are also presented on race day.

Run with Joy starts and finishes at Canteen Brewhouse on Aztec Road NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is an annual unicorn-themed race morning with four distances: a 13.1-mile half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1 Miler. The half marathon goes off first, the 10K and 5K follow together, and the mile starts a few minutes later, so the event works for runners who want a longer effort and people who just want a short, social run. The course is an out-and-back route on the North Diversion Channel Trail, a shared path that is mostly flat except for small rises and drops where it passes under major streets. Aid stations, hydration, and porta potties are placed at several points. Finish-line perks lean into the brewery setting: half marathon, 10K, and 5K runners get a medal, shirt, beer or root beer, and a breakfast burrito, while 1 Miler participants get the drink and burrito without the shirt or medal. The event is in its fifth annual running.

The Albuquerque Marathon takes place in early April in New Mexico, offering a full marathon, half marathon, two-person half relay, 10K, 5K, Kids K, and virtual participation for the main adult distances. In-person races begin in the morning, with the marathon starting first, followed by the half marathon and 10K. It accommodates a wide range of runners, from those aiming for a fast marathon time to families participating in the shorter events and Kids K. The course crosses the Rio Grande River, passes through the North Valley Bosque, and offers views of the Sandia Mountains. Organizers describe it as flat and fast, suitable for runners seeking a personal best or a simple city-and-river route. Finishers receive medals, and marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K participants get tech shirts. Overall and age-group awards are presented. The event also collaborates with Heading Home, donating a portion of proceeds to that organization.