Great Balloon Chase 5K, 10K & 1/2 Marathon 2026

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.