This is a nice race to 'check off NM' if you're going for 50 states. However, it's not the type of course that will draw me back.

There were lots of pluses: the expo was OK for the race size (bigger than other races like this), the long-sleeved shirt is great, the 7:00am start was perfect, the pre-race area in the convention center (with REAL restrooms!) shielded us from chilly temps and wind, the finisher's medal is substantial and well made, and I have no complaints about the organization...everything went like clockwork. I loved the fact that age group award winners could just pick up their medals at the table (versus waiting around for some kind of ceremony)!

The cons: the host race hotel (Doubletree) that advertised late checkout for runners said that wasn't available on the Sunday of the race (!) and that I needed to be out by noon. She said I could check back in the morning and see if there was any flexibility, but she seemed not to be grasping the fact that I would be RUNNING in the morning (and wouldn't be around to 'check back'). It was tight, but I made it. How can the race hotel be so inflexible, and I based my travel on my request for late checkout (which was noted at the time of registration). However, it was very convenient to the race start & finish. The race course itself is...well...boring. It starts downtown (which is great), but once you reach about mile 2 expect the same scenery for the rest of the race until the end. It is a nice, paved bike path, but the views were just 'so-so' and the sun and wind were brutal in places. My main complaint is the 1/2 marathon walkers. PLEASE instruct them that this isn't a leisurely stroll where they can walk 5-wide and totally block the path for runners! The last 6 miles of the race, you had to constantly be dodging around the 1/2 marathon walkers. Not good at all on very tired legs! Maybe they should start the half 1 hour earlier, to allow them to get off the course before the marathoners reach that area?

Bottom line, I'm glad I ran Duke City and would recommend it for anyone going for the 50 states. But I have no desire to go back.

The thinner air was definitely a factor for me, coming from sea level, but having water stations every mile helped with that. There seemed to be plenty of room on the bike path, and it was great to see balloons launching ahead of us in the early miles.

My only complaint for this marathon was the use of PowerAde for the energy drink. Gatorade works better for me. I'm grateful for the aid stations every mile, the Fiesta de Albuquerque Marathon in April only had 12 total and this was not enough. Scenery was good with fall colors and we had good weather. Thanks for the chance to improve my fitness level here at altitude. Best T-shirt I've ever received from a marathon!

Course was easy; the scenery was average to below average; it was well organized; and they water and Gatorade every mile. Good size (200+) so that there was not a mass start but I was never out of sight of another runner. Need to improve crowd control at relay exchange zones - people could get knocked down. Overall, fine.

Aid stations every mile - I like that. They stayed out on the course for slow finishers

I came here to visit family and run the marathon, and left with a mostly good feeling about the event (see concerns below).

Being from Michigan, I was worried about running at some 5,000 feet, but the flatness of the course seemed to help equalize the effect, and I ended up running my third best time ever (I also was extra careful about my pace and hydration).

Overall, the weather was perfect - low 40's, no wind - but the course at the halfway mark turns you directly into the rising sun (not so nice). Still, overall, running in the Rio Grande bosque was quite peaceful and serene, although different from advertised. While the website elevation showed a gradual uphill/downhill course with one steep hill at the midway point, the truth had more subtle elevation changes throughout that included a sneaky, slight uphill finish. Still, a fair test, especially with the altitude factor in play for someone like me.

As for spectators, there weren't very many during most of the race, but those at the aid stations and relay points were supportive (while a small marathon contingent, there are many more who participate in the half-marathon, relay and 5K). After the race, the food/beverage, free massage, music/awards ceremony were all good, as was the beautiful downtown plaza it was located in.

But I did have some problems too. The pre-race organization needs to improve. I had trouble entering online, and even after I was told it was cleared up, it still wasn't in the system when I showed up to pick up my number (and it was clear several others had similar problems). Additionally, they had problems spelling my name correctly. However, with each of these gaffes, someone was quick to make the changes. Still, it was stuff that shouldn't have been a problem in the first place.

That said, Albuquerque is a beautiful place - we went to Sandia Peak and Santa Fe in the days following - and the race was for a good charity. So, if you like smaller marathons and you don't mind rolling the dice of learning how you might do at high-altitude (if you don't already live there), I would recommend it.

This was my first half-marathon. I'd read the previous years' comments so I knew maybe what to expect. I was mainly running it as a training run as I signed up for a bigger half-marathon in January. The course is fairly flat, which is what I wanted. It's mostly run on a bike path, so no cars or crowds other than other runners and occasional cyclist. Minimal spectators, so I couldn't see myself running a full marathon - I need the crowd support and I'm slow, so it would be too lonely. There was enough water but I only ran the half. It was hard to hear at the start - they used a bull horn but I couldn't really hear with the crowd. But, once everyone started, you knew it was time to go. I was contacted by email and phone to ensure correct information so I did appreciate that and it was correct. I live in the area, so for me, it was what I expected. I will likely do it again next year.

Weather was perfect for a marathon, little wind with cool start and mild temp for finish. Minimal spectators, but this was not an issue for me. Route was OK, unfortunately only fleeting glimpses of the Rio Grande. The coniditions were there for a good event but........

PROBLEMS:
No cups at mile 20, so imagine running past gallons of water in containers that you could not drink ! Another station had cups of water filled out on the table, but the volunteers had just deserted the table, and this was at about 3h50min ! The last station on Central Ave was also deserted by staff.
I have run marathons in wind and snow that have been made positive by the aid station volunteers, but this event badly needs an infusion of spirit for the staff. Was at least glad my entry fee was going to a cancer research.
Definitely not returning.

The weather was perfect; low 50's temp at the start and upper 50's later in the morning. Two thirds of the course is run on a bike path along the Rio Grande that is pancake flat except at the turnaround. So if you're a flat-lander from the Midwest like I am, you'll love it. There weren't many spectators if you need that sort of thing but it was serenely peaceful in the morning with the sun rising over the mountains. There was water/Gatorade at every mile with military personnel (army?) manning the stations. It was an truly an honor to have them there! They also had bananas and oranges at mile 6 and the halfway point. Somewhere they had sponges too but I can't remember which mile. The expo was surprisingly good for this smaller-sized (approx. 350 people) marathon. The start and finish are within 1 block of each other, which is always nice logistically. The host hotel, the DoubleTree was very accommodating and allowed late check-out for the runners with no problem. On race-day, their front desk staff even had on marathon t-shirts over their uniforms which I thought was a nice touch. They also offer a pasta buffet dinner that is quite good. If you have time, take the trolley ($1 to ride) to Old Town to sightsee and shop. It's a very charming place that has unique southwestern themed shops.

This was the third time I've run the Duke City Marathon. Compared to the first two that I've run, this year's Duke is the best so far.

Renovations that occurred in the Tingley Beach area altered the race course slightly for this out-and-back course. The half mark had a good supply of gels, fluids and solids, bananas and oranges.

Sharing the same pathway as those doing the half-marathon provided some congestion with the race walkers on the bike path along the bosque. These race walkers were sometimes walking three abreast, causing marathoners to veer off the paved path to get around them.

There was plenty of water stops along the way. The Rio Grande water station was congested with spectators and relay teams that were crossing the path, as a recommendation the water station could be placed on the east side of Rio Grande and perhaps barrier tape set-up on the west side to help keep the spectators off the race course. This has been the one area that continues to be congested.

The weather could not have been more perfect, cool throughout the morning.

With Albuquerque as my home town, I'm already planning on competing again next year.