If you are getting fed up with running all the big races with over 10,000 runners come and run this one. The course is quite hard as it is at altitude and hilly. The year I raced there was 99 people on the start line. We got a motel that was less than 200 yards from the start line. The course is absolutely stunning, there were not many spectators but the few that were out there were pretty enthusiastic. The organizers did a great job, there was water stations without fail every 2 miles. Every body received a race medal that was hand decorated by the local school childeren, and the award ceremony there was numerous spot prizes as well as local art products given to age group placers. I hope to come back and run this race soon.

This is a fantastic race! It's small but it is the best aided race I've ever run. The course is very difficult, with a long incline sprinkled with grueling hills for the first 18 miles or so and then just when you expect relief, the course slowly dwindles back to its starting elevation. In other words, train on hills, preferably big, long hills and don't bother to run down them, just up. The fans were sparse in some long stretches of road but the aid stations were plentiful and full of cheering fans. There were other support vehicles and personel throughout the race. The scenes were also stunning. Eat a good pasta dinner the night before at The Apple Tree.

'Low key,' 'non-descript,' 'run it just to run' marathon. You would have never have known that a marathon was to occur prior to the race, however a small group of runners set out to run a scenic, hilly marathon for the right reason; 'because we can.' Who needs expos, large signs, and loud bands when you have the Sangri de Cristo mountains and your race entry goes to a native son who has leukemia. The biggest drawback are the miles approx. 18-21 are run on a highway with poor shoulders. However it was a pleasure to see the HP pull over the numerous indescriminate drivers who were flying by. Also, there were plenty of aid stations but they were all sitting on top of the chalk mile markers (better mile markers would be nice). I give myself a negative one (-1) for not hydrating properly and bonking at mile 23 (a hot day to be sure) and spectators a five (5) as the only ones that matter, family, were able to meet us at various points along the course (I swear I saw the same three little girls cheering at every mile). Run this one for the right reason.

I prefer small scenic marathons. With around 100 runners, this is a small event. Running on the shoulder, when there was one, of state highways with traffic going by at 55 m.p.h., I found it hard to notice the scenic part of the course. About 5-6 miles of the course is on a rural road and was quite pleasant.
Water stations were plentiful which was critical with no shade and temperatures passing the 70 degree mark.
I train at altitude, but many sea level runners were struggling with the altitude.
Be aware that there are mile markers only at miles 5, 10, 13.1, 15 and 20 miles. Drive the course. It is mentally very challenging after mile 20 to not know how much farther you have to go to get to the finish line.
The only spectators are friends and family of runners, but I never run a marathon for the spectators.
The start and finish lines were very casual. The best part of the event was that the proceeds went to a boy fighting leukemia.

This was my second marathon, and what a contrast to Austin this was! Only about 85 runners (in the full 26.2). Even though spectators got one star, you don't run this one expecting it, so it's not a negative reflection on the race.

As the runner said last year, the course is spectacular in its scenery, and while the sun was out almost the whole time, there was a great breeze throughout and the temps did not break 70!

Water stops were pretty faithfully staffed. Every mile after the halfway point, with the exception of mile 24, which was my only complaint.

Didn't try for a PR, just kicked back with some people I just met - stopped often, took pictures, had a great time!

Don't let the altitude psyche you out - this is a doable marathon and one worth doing!

This is a great event. I have run in the marathon twice & marathon relay many times while I lived in NM. The race is run in combination with a 5 person relay, a half marathon and a 5K. There is one major hill coming out of Hondo, but the rest of the course is great. The last 10K is a gradual downhill!!!! Most years there is local art from Taos as awards, including great photography by Bruce Gomez (race director). Although the crowds are sparce, the mountains usually provide plenty of inspiration. The course is open to vehicles, and in '93 my wife delivered my personal water supply throughout the race. There are well maintained aid stations throughout the course. This is a great place to run with cool am temperatures even in mid-June. The 7000' elevation can be intimidating, but I have run one of my best times there (2:44) only 10 minutes slower than my lowland PR. If you ever need a marathon in NM this is the ONE to do !!!!