The Albuquerque Marathon - Race Reviews

Like all downhill races, the second half can be pretty tough. But the race is well organized, and views from the top are great!

This was advertised as the fastest course east of the Rio Grande. I highly doubt this is true. Obviously the first six miles are lightning fast, but the total ascent made this marathon slightly tougher than a typical race. The elevation graph online showed the two large uphills in the first half, but did not show the rolling hills in the second half. I think you should be much more upfront about the total uphill milage. This will change people's strategy. I bet a lot of people were bummed out when these fairly steep hills came out of no where and had to start walking. Saying this is the fastest course east of the Rio Grande isn't fair. It's a beautiful course and a great challenge.

There was enough water and porta potties on the route. The volunteers were great. The route was AWESOME. Enjoyed this race.

Well organized, first half is scenic and overall a fairly challenging course. Good start temp of 53F but second half was too warm with finish temp of 79F. Consider moving the race to later in the month.

Stunning sunrise from 9,400'. The first 10 miles were spectacular. Empty mountain rd with beautiful switchbacks. Second half still pretty, great volunteers at the aid stations helped. No crowd support if you are looking for that kind of thing. Well organized, nice medal and shirt, responsive RD quickly answered questions via email.

Challenging, well-organized race. Aid stations well-stocked and conveniently placed. I did not lack for nutrition or water. People were supportive. Though the elevation descends throughout the race, it is not all downhill. The first 11 miles are drastically downhill, but the rest of the course includes rolling hills. Be prepared. Finish line service was phenomenal.

Extremely well run event, with terrific volunteers. Be prepared for a challenging course with altitude, hills and heat! The first uphill around mile 4 separates the flatlanders (which was us!) from those used to the elevation! The downhills are steep early on, but become more gradual later in the race. The course is well marked, well marshalled, and well stocked with aid stations. The finish line area is amazing for such a small race. Great post race food options, cold lavender washcloths, and immediate race results. Highly recommend Sandia Crest!!

My 89th marathon. For only being a second year race, I was impressed with the organization. We flew from Pennsylvania early morning so had all day to explore Albuquerque Friday. The airport is small and we rented a car. Host hotel rate was $109 at Sheraton uptown. Nice hotel, allowed 1pm checkout and best of all, a shuttle left directly from hotel to start at 4:45am so family didn't have to drive me. Plus they had water, bananas, apples for us. The expo is few miles away at high end sports store. Quick, organized, backdrops for photos, great dry fit tank but ladies...it runs really small. I usually wear a small and even the medium feels a bit like compression so size up 1-2 sizes. Right around hotel is all kinds of places to eat so you could uber to expo and not get a car if you were really saving money, but I like the freedom. Also, not sure how you'd get back to the hotel postrun. Loved the 6:30am start. Would actually like a 6am to avoid some additional heat. Our bus arrived at 5:51am so not too long to wait around. It was 42 degrees at the crest but in our packet pickup they had gloves & blanket...thank you. Layer clothes and Goodwill picks them up. It warmed up real fast. By mile 3 I was fine. By mile 16 it was hot. At 11am my Garmin read 80 degrees and there's zero shade the last 6 plus miles in more of an urban area. Loved the first half and it was downhill for sure with 2 inclines. Mile 20 on was flatter with some long inclines that were hard on spent squads, still at 6000 feet elevation. Medal was decent. Finish line had an announcer, food, massage etc. Aid was about 2-2.5 miles with no gels. Some had fruit and the otter pops were appreciated. Postrace we returned to hotel for a shower then drove up the turquoise trail to Santa Dr, stopping in old mining town for food, eclectic shopping and margaritas. Santa Fe is only an hour away and worth the trip. Incredible food and drink places. Shopping is pricey ie Aspen-like but fun to walk around. Volunteers were so friendly and encouraging. Loved that race directors grandma send us off at 630am. I feel it was a terrific race, organized, not too huge but beware of going out fast. It is NOT all downhill. Investigate runners comments so you're not a hater on the race director. It's a massive loss of elevation especially the initial half but it's not all downhill and certainly not easy. However, seeing the sunrise made it worthwhile. Starting above 10000 ft elevation coming from sea level scared me. Go slow, hydrate and because it's downhill you'll feel fine. Where I really noticed the altitude was any incline or even the flat sections. I only have spectators 3 stars because there weren't any except the aid stations. Course got 4 stars because I don't like hot or hills. Thank you New Mexico...fun weekend!

Awesome first year marathon, for sure the best race and organization that NM has to offer. I went for the VIP and it didn't disappoint. Great volunteers, comfy charter bus with a nice clean bathroom on board. Also the post race care for the VIP's was top notch. Weather was a little warm which was unfortunate but you can't control that. The weather the week before and the week after was perfect, just bad luck on that. Beautiful views, first 1/2 was unforgettable.

Pros: Downhill, scenic course the first half Race day logistics were easy - I parked within 200m of the start/finish, so was able to get back to the motel, shower and be at the airport within an hour of finishing. Swag was good - I prefer tech shirts but the graphics were nice, as was the hat. Cons: Course monitors at course turns/street intersections would be helpful....I missed a 90 degree turn after mile 25 at a busy intersection, my fault for being disoriented but it would've been nice to have someone directing runners. Nit-picking: for an entry fee well over $100 the post race food and drink should include a lot more than donuts and water. Suggestion: Nothing the RD could do about it this year but the heat and sun w/ no shade made the last half of the race a struggle. Not a surprise in NM in mid-September. If this race were moved to November or later it would be nice - I'd rather deal with freezing at the start than wilting the last hour+ of the race. Props to the organizers for creating a nice alternative to the other NM marathons. I would definitely run this race again if it weren't scheduled in mid-September.

The Good, Bad and the Ugly and are my opinions only. The GOOD: The race allows for bibs to be mailed in advance, which is great for out of town runners. The BAD: There were intersections that had no police presence and runners had to wait for traffic to pass. There were no age group awards, which was not made clear on the race website and the course is not all downhill as advertised. If you want a so-so race then this is it but there has to be better options for a New Mexico race.

It was our first time running a downhill race and we loved it! The course was great and didn't get boring; towards the end, the traffic wasn't controlled as well as it could have been but it was done otherwise very well. The only complaint we had for this race was the hour long wait we had before the race. While we were given the foil blankets and we had stuff to keep us warm, it was a little annoying to be left at the start to wait for an hour before we got to actually run.

It was an amazing race! From the buses (even VIP buses with nourishment and heat) to the start line, aid stations, pilot car, gorgeous course, fabulous finish line with King Mobil DJ and cold lavender towels....What??? Out of the ball park people! Can't wait to see what you pull out of your magic hat for next year..This race was magic!!!

The Sandia Crest Marathon was well organized. Everything was seamless from packet pickup to course shuttle. The Rebel doughnuts and lavender wash clothes at the finish line were a perfect touch.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to run a race where every detail shows how much the director and volunteers care about your experience and this is one of them! From packet pick up to the finish line, it was one of the best organized, supported and friendly races I've participated in. Every aspect was top notch and runner focused. Greats swag bag (the best race shirt I've gotten), the friendliest and most supportive volunteers, lots of porta potties, oranges, bananas and sports drink on the course, and lavender scented cooling towels at the end. Lots of assorted goodies (Rebel Donuts!) waiting for you at the finish line along with a wicked medal. I will definitely participate in future races they put on and encourage others to support and run such a thoughtful and fun (and challenging) race!

Overall I thought it was a great experience and a fast course. Swag was ok, but I would have preferred a synthetic shirt. Taking the first bus up for the half resulted in my wife and I freezing our butts off until the event started. The last two miles are through a more trafficked part of town which was not enjoyable. There was one crossing on Route 66 marked by cones that I feared for my life as there were no officers to direct traffic. Other than that one spot there were sufficient officers on site. Again, it was a fast course with a 1400 foot drop in elevation. Mile ten did have a decent hill but wasn't too bad. I plan to run the full marathon next year, and my wife is planning to do the half again.

Course was not as 'downhill' as advertised. Weather was in the 90s when I finished, of course, that is beyond the RD's control. I do very much appreciate that Ricky patrolled the course all day riding on his Harley checking on everyone and providing water, snacks, encouragement. I also am very grateful to Chuck, RD's father who also continuously patrolled the course until everyone was accounted for. I was warned during my last four miles that course aid stations were gone (snacks, food, water) and I'd be fending for myself, that's not a problem but leaving a jug of water at every mile would have been the neighborly thing to do since weather was extreme. Timing mats were pulled before I arrived so did not get an official finish time. Volunteers were great while they were available but I unfortunately do not plan on returning. Medal was fine and I don't mind the cotton tee but it looks so generic; 'Sandia Crest Marathon -- September 15, 2018' would have made it recognizable.

Course volunteers, organization, nutrition, everything. This is the Race for NM!

Ran half-marathon. The course is a real treat and wonderfully unique. Absolutely excellent organization - well thought out swag bag, fun hanging with racers pre-race, great announcers, well placed & plentiful nutrition/water stands.

The race was well organized and the workers were helpful and enthusiastic. We were welcomed by the race director before getting off the bus and enjoyed tunes at the top of the mountain. The race was a fast down hill with intermittent up hills supported by cow bell cheerers. At the end of the race, they had good food and great medical support. I loved this race.

This was a great marathon, the course was very fun and you could definitely train for speed and achieve it on this race. One the course you needed some additional bannanas and etc for those runners especially. Salty chips, some gu etc. Post race there were so many great people I would have loved some tables or chairs where folks faced each other and could talk, have a drink etc together. Sitting in the long lines wasn't great for re-living the race etc. The volunteers were great about letting us go back to get water but as the race grows that can make for some logistical issues. I'd suggest having the medals at the finish and just past the finish the milk, water, some additional food besides donuts etc. Lots of fun! thanks

Beautiful course through the Sandias. The best part is it's also mostly downhill! The race was extremely well organized with plenty of buses and parking. The course was lined well so no chance of taking a wrong turn. The medal was one of the best I've gotten and the swag bag was full of goodies!

I was a little skeptical about the safety of the race in the city, but when I arrived... police, aides, and volunteers were in full force! Thank you to everyone who made this race a success! I will be back for sure!

For an inaugural event, this race was first class. The course had amazing views and proved to be a challenge. Want to test your endurance and marathon skills? This is a tremendous course to do so.

Was dreading an inaugural effort of such a magnitude event, but was impressed by the effort and coordination on the part of the staff and aides in making this an exhilarating race and a course that was challenging to say the least. Cheers to the organizers on this one!

Marathon was so well organized and so well run! Course is fast and helped me qualify for Boston!

I have run a lot of marathons-18, including this one. The course was absolutely gorgeous, aid stations were good, and access to so many restrooms along the way was great. A real complaint I have though is that I got sick and started having difficulty with some issues at about mile 16. I stopped at the aid station at mile 17 and indicated I needed to stop the race. I was told that was fine but, I'd need to wait for the sag wagon at the end of the race. At that point I was in 3:30 mile pace-- that wait would have been hours and I was dehydrated and having blood sugar issues. I didn't want or need an ambulance at that time. I just needed to be done. I ultimately ended up run/ walking the 9 additional miles so as not to wait. It was miserable but, it was warm and I had a plane I had to catch earlier than I would have been able to waiting for the sag wagon. Ultimately I ended up staying in Albuquerque another night because I almost passed out twice at a Subway after the race. This was avoidable if I could have figured out a way to get back to my air conditioned car. It would be nice if this could be addressed because it happens to people occasionally were they are between an emergency and being able to push through.. My phone, credit card and key were in my drop bag or I would have called a cab. I have never needed to carry these before or had something like this happen but, I will carry them in the future.

This race was so well organized, had the friendliest staff and volunteers, and the the most refreshing cold lavender scented towels to welcome us at the finish. The course was breathtaking, challenging and fun! I loved it!! Sign me up for next year!

Beautiful race venue! First half was mainly downhill, cool, and shaded. Second half had several uphill sections, no shade and was very warm. Port-a-pots every mile was wonderful! Volunteers were great and we loved the tailwind (both caffeinated and not). Wish the aid stations would have been every mile at the end (it was so hot). Maybe an earlier start time would help. Super nice race director. Great race overall!

Oh my gosh I can't say enough good things about this half marathon race! 1. It was so well organized and so well thought out. Packet pick up was easy, bus transportation went great, and the finish line was well stocked. 2. The course: wow!!!! Beautiful and fast! The setting in the mountains is so serene to run in and the time of year had us running in perfect temps. Overall I would say that this is one of the best races and race courses I have ever participated in. I can't wait to run it again and beat my time!

First part of run through forest was mostly very down hill with a .74 stretch up at mile 4. Then down hill pretty much to mile 13. After that the run is along highways and is rolling hills up and down to about mile 24. Then the run is downhill to finish. Overall an alright marathon but not quite as advertised to be 25 miles downhill. It was very warm this day and the last half of race there is no shade. Very well organized race. No glitches at all. I would prefer more post race refresments than donuts and water.

I've raced several first year races in my career and the Sandia Crest Marathon was by far the best inaugural race I've ever done. The course is fast and scenic. The organization was amazing, the volunteers were top notch. Can't say one negative thing about this race, the overall quality was really impressive. It is a downhill course, which makes it fast and fun, so make sure your legs/quads are well trained for all that downhill. Trust me, with 20+ marathons under my belt you won't be disappointed. I will be back next year!

This was a beautiful course, though it was close to traffic. I'd suggest having more course monitors and volunteers where the course crosses with traffic. The scenery more than made up for little crowd support. I loved taking in the landscape & architecture!

I've run many marathons and this race was very well organized with great volunteers and swag. Swag included a truckers hat, T-shirt as well as several gift certificates/coupons to local food and attractions. The course was somewhat difficult (downhill with a fast start and net elevation loss but beware long rolling hills at the end and high temperatures). This is definitely a race to do in NM.

I love the race I felt like it was very well organized the hat, shirt, goodies and medal were beautiful. The only recommendation I would have for next time would be to have more bottled water at the finish line.

The race was extremely well organized. I was happily surprised to find a first time event ,with busses to drop you at the start line, so well organized. The race was fast moving down the hill, but it takes a punishing toll on the body.Buy the time the race starts to level out I was completely beat up. But the views were amazing . The course was beautiful. I would recommend the race . Also recommend getting your down hill training in for real

Keep in mind, even though its a downhill course, after mile 12 there are elevation gains (rolling hills) and if you are not trained to run at 5000ft or higher elevation, these hills will hit you! First half is very scenic, fast and cooler weather with lots of shades. There is a hill between 4-5 mile mark. After mile 12, the course becomes nasty along an unshaded busy street. If you are a 4:30-5:00hr marathoner, it gets really hot too. I saw a 711 digital board showing 89F! The water stations are at only every 2 miles, probably not optimal for the season. The last 3-4 miles are the worst. The finish line even did not have a sign saying "Sandia Crest Marathon Finish": for photo purposes it would have been good. After finishing, this was the only marathon where I did not find any food! May be it was there somewhere, but no one handed me anything but a bottle of water and a nice cool hand towel. Pros: People are super friendly and very supportive Race organization was good: busing to the start, parking etc Medal was okay Suggestions to improve: As a runner, I only care for a good techincal T-shirt. The "extra stuff", cap, gloves are not necessary. For the $155 registartion price, this race T-shirt was the worst ever! Use the money saved from not providing cap and gloves to provide a quality running shirt. Consider pushing the race to late Sep-early Oct, when its cooler. "Sandia Crest Marathon kicks off just as summer is coming to a close with the leaves transforming from vibrant greens to remarkable hues of red, orange, and yellow." This is a misnomer on the webpage. Very subtle fall foliage this early in the year!