Everything You Need to Know
Runners Guide
Your complete reference for race weekend — from packet pickup to the finish line. Read this before race day.
Running at Altitude
Santa Fe sits at 7,000 feet — the course peaks at 8,300 ft. This affects everyone, including experienced runners.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 2–3 days before race day. Your body needs time to begin producing additional red blood cells and adjusting oxygen uptake.
Hydrate Aggressively
High altitude accelerates fluid loss through increased respiration. Drink 16–20 oz of water per hour during the race, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Adjust Your Pace
Expect 10–15% slower paces than sea level for equivalent effort. Start conservatively — altitude effects compound as the race progresses.
Sun Protection
UV radiation increases 4–5% per 1,000 feet of elevation. At 7,000+ ft, UV intensity is 25–30% stronger than at sea level. Sunscreen and eye protection are essential.
Packet Pickup
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Santa Fe Convention Center — Main Hall
First day of pickup. Race expo also open.
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Santa Fe Convention Center — Main Hall
Last chance. No race-day pickup.
Not available
—
All bibs must be collected by Saturday close.
What to bring
Your confirmation email (printed or on your phone) and a valid government-issued photo ID. You may pick up for another registered runner if you bring their confirmation email and a copy of their ID.
Race Day Logistics
Getting to the Start
Official shuttles run from the Convention Center starting at 5:00 AM, every 20 minutes.
Limited parking is available at Railyard Park — arrive before 5:30 AM if driving.
Rideshare drop-off is designated on Guadalupe Street, north entrance.
Gear Check
Open from 5:30–6:40 AM at the Start Village Tent Row.
One standard bag per runner. Must be labeled with bib number.
Bags are transported to the finish village. Unclaimed bags held until 6:00 PM.
Corrals
Corrals are assigned by predicted finish time at registration.
All runners must be in their assigned corral by 6:50 AM.
Corral reassignment requests accepted through September 1 via email.
Finish Area
Finish line on the Santa Fe Plaza — open to spectators.
Post-race food, gear bag pickup, and medical are located on Palace Avenue.
Finisher medals distributed immediately after crossing.
Aid Stations
Ten aid stations on the marathon course. Half marathon runners access stations at miles 2.5 through 13.1 only.
| Mile | Station | Water | Electrolyte | Gel | Food | Medical | Drop Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | Railyard North | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| 5.0 | Arroyo Chamiso | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| 7.5 | Alto Street | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| 10.0 | Old Santa Fe Trail | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| 13.1 | Halfway — Acequia Madre | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 16.0 | Canyon Road | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| 18.5 | Museum Hill | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| 21.0 | Cerrillos Road | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | — |
| 23.5 | Guadalupe Street | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| 25.5 | Final Push | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Gel brand: GU Energy. Food: orange slices, banana, pretzels, and broth (late miles). Subject to change.
Gear & Kit
Required
- ✓
Race bib (must be visible on front)
- ✓
Timing chip (attached to bib — do not remove)
- ✓
Medical ID or wristband if applicable
Strongly Recommended
- ✓
Hydration vest or handheld bottle for first 5 miles
- ✓
Sunscreen SPF 30+ — high-altitude UV is intense
- ✓
Sunglasses and a cap or visor
- ✓
Layers for the start — temps can be below 40°F at 7 AM
- ✓
Road or mild trail shoes (sections 4–9 include packed gravel)
Not Permitted
- ✕
Trekking poles
- ✕
Personal audio speakers
- ✕
Unlicensed pace bicycles or skates
- ✕
Animals on the course
Cutoff Times
Minimum pace required to remain on course. Runners who miss a cutoff are collected by support vehicles and transported to the finish.
Marathon
Mile 10 — Old Santa Fe Trail
Min pace: 16:00 min/mi
9:40 AM
Mile 13.1 — Halfway
Min pace: 16:00 min/mi
10:30 AM
Mile 18.5 — Museum Hill
Min pace: 16:00 min/mi
12:00 PM
Mile 26.2 — Finish (Plaza)
Min pace: 16:03 min/mi
2:00 PM
Half Marathon
Mile 6.5
Min pace: 22:00 min/mi
9:25 AM
Mile 10 — Old Santa Fe Trail
Min pace: 21:00 min/mi
10:30 AM
Mile 13.1 — Finish (Plaza)
Min pace: 22:54 min/mi
12:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run with a stroller?
Yes, jogging strollers are permitted but must start in the last corral. Stroller runners are responsible for yielding to all other participants.
Is the course entirely at altitude?
Yes. The entire course sits between 6,900 and 8,300 feet. Plan for 10–15% slower paces than sea-level efforts. Arriving in Santa Fe 2–3 days early is strongly recommended for acclimatization.
Are pacers available?
Official pacers are provided for marathon finish times of 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, and 6:00. Pacers carry signs and will be stationed in the designated corral at the start.
What happens if I need to drop from the race?
Notify the nearest aid station volunteer or course marshal. Support vehicles will transport you to the finish village. Please do not leave the course without checking in with a race official.
Can my crew access the course?
Crew access is permitted at designated points: miles 8, 16, and 22. Crew must not interfere with other runners and cannot run alongside athletes.
Are drop bags available?
Drop bags are available for marathon runners only, collected at the start line and transported to the mile 13.1 aid station. Bags must be labeled with your bib number and dropped before 6:45 AM.
What if weather turns severe?
Race directors monitor conditions closely. In the event of lightning, high winds, or dangerous temperatures, the race may be delayed or portions of the course rerouted. Updates will be announced at the start line and posted to social media.