Santa Fe sits at about 7,000 feet, and it’s one of the best places in the country to spend a long weekend. Race weekend 2027 runs September 17 to 19. Here’s where to be, when, and what to do with the rest of your time.
Why run Santa Fe?
Cool September mornings
Race weekend falls in one of the best months to run in northern New Mexico: cool, dry mornings and big blue skies. Dress for the start, not the finish.
High-desert running
Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the half runs between 6,567 and 6,883 feet. The air is thin and the views go on forever.
A send-off like no other
Coach Kosgei starts the race on a kudu horn that has been in his family for more than 100 years.
Finish at a working farm
Every race finishes at Santa Fe Reunity Resources, with post-race food and Jirani Kahawa coffee. Details for 2027 are coming.
A weekend worth staying for
Come early or stay late. Walk the historic Plaza, wander the galleries, soak in a high-desert hot spring and eat your fill of New Mexican food.
Race weekend at a glance
Friday, September 17. Packet pickup at Santa Fe Reunity Resources, 10 AM to 5 PM. Everyone picks up here, whatever distance you’re running.
Saturday, September 18. The 5K, the 10K and the Kids Fun Dash all start at Santa Fe Reunity Resources. Packet pickup is open 10 AM to 5 PM. Check the Event Schedule for start times.
Sunday, September 19. The Half Marathon and the 3-Amigos Relay start at 7:30 AM at Romero’s Park in Agua Fría. Both finish at Santa Fe Reunity Resources.
Packets and bibs
Half Marathon and Relay runners pick up their bib and shirt at Santa Fe Reunity Resources on Friday or Saturday. 5K and 10K runners pick up their bib and shirt on Friday, since their races start Saturday morning.
Race-morning pickup on Sunday is for emergencies only, 6 to 7 AM. Our volunteers are busy getting the course ready that morning, so please plan to pick up on Friday or Saturday. Missed online registration? You can still register in person at the Expo on Friday or Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM (5K and 10K runners on Friday). Online registration closes September 15.
Getting here and getting around
Fly into Albuquerque, then drive about an hour north. A rental car makes the weekend easier. Parking near the start is limited, so read our Parking & Shuttles page before race morning.
Where to stay
Santa Fe fills up in September, so book early. Our lodging partners are the Concept Hotel Group properties (The Sage Hotel, Guadalupe Inn, Coyote South and Inn at Santa Fe) and Pecos Trail Inn. We’ll post race rates and booking details on the Lodging & Travel page as soon as they’re confirmed.
The altitude is real
If you’re coming from sea level, give yourself a couple of days to adjust. Drink water from the day you land, go easy on alcohol, and keep your shakeout runs short and slow. Then pace the climb in the middle miles of the half. We wrote a longer guide: Training for 7,000 feet.
What to do while you’re here
Walk the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors. Browse the galleries on Canyon Road in the late afternoon. Spend an hour in the Railyard district. Take in the museums on Museum Hill. If you’re staying a few extra days, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Meow Wolf and a hot soak at a local spa are all worth the trip. Hours change, so check before you go.
What to eat
Order your chile “Christmas” and you’ll get red and green. Then try posole, a green chile cheeseburger, sopaipillas and biscochitos. Ask your server what’s good that day.
Ready to run?
Registration for 2027 is open — sign up on RunSignup. Join the race updates list for news through race weekend. Our charitable mission is the Kitany Water Project.