NM CHIPS AND SALSA HALF MARATHON + 10K, 5K RUN OR WALK AND KIDS K
Register today for the 22nd Annual New Mexico Chips and Salsa Half Marathon—plus the 10K, 5K, Kids K, and Virtual Run! This must-do fall event brings together hundreds of runners on a new, fast, flat loop course through the scenic North Valley and Los Ranchos de Albuquerque. There’s no better time to visit Albuquerque—with the New Mexico State Fair, colorful hot air balloons, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh green chile in the air. The NM Chips and Salsa Half Marathon features age-group and overall awards, custom finisher medals for all half-marathon participants, and great shirts for everyone.
Register and learn more at www.irunfit.org
Lace up and join us on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for an unforgettable run at the NM Chips and Salsa Half Marathon!
EVENT LOCATION
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
9169 Coors. Blvd. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120
EVENT SCHEDULE
September 13, 2026
- Half Marathon: 7:00 am (3.5 Hour Cut-off)
- 5K: 7:30 am
- 10K: 7:40 am
- Kids K: 9:00 am
Race Day Registration is available.
START INFORMATION
The start(s) for all events are located near the finish on SIPI property. All events start on time.
PARKING
Please use designated parking areas/spaces only. Do not park on any of the interior roads along the course.
RUNNER GEAR BAG
Half Marathon participants may check gear near the Start Line (Registration Site). Volunteers will assist runners in identifying their gear bags. Runners can claim their gear after the race near the finish. Show your bib number to the volunteers at the gear pickup location so they can claim your bag. Allow plenty of time to get to the Start Line to check any gear and position yourself according to your projected pace.
RACE/BIB REQUIREMENTS
Each participant will receive a Race (Bib) number that must be worn on race day. Do not alter your race number in any way. Your bib number must be visible and worn on the front outside of all clothing during the entire race to be seen. Bib numbers are non-transferable and must be worn by the runner to whom it is assigned.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- iPod/headphones: Yes, but athletes competing for prizes cannot use them.
- GPS device: Yes, but they do not count as official times or distances.
- NOT allowed on the course: Video devices, cell phones, computers, cameras, or other devices. Wheeled devices (except for registered wheelchair participants and authorized course marshals on bicycles). Strollers and baby joggers are permitted on the 5K course only and must start at the back of the pack.
- Lost & Found: Yes, available on race day. Contact 505.217.4774 for lost items.
- Refunds/Transfers: No. All entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred. Entry/bib sales and transfers are strictly prohibited.
- Deferral: No, entries cannot be deferred to next year.
- Packet Pickup: A friend can pick up your packet.
- Dogs: No, dogs are not permitted on SIPI property.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Weather forecasts will be monitored. Athletes will be made aware of predictions on the RunFit website (www.irunfit.org) and via email. The Race Director will decide on any action, which may include altering the start time or canceling the Event. Visible lightning will cause a 15-minute postponement, with additional delays for further sightings. Extra water will be provided in extreme heat, and the medical team will be alerted.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical staff and radio communications personnel will be positioned at aid stations. The event officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race if they appear distressed or at risk. You will be directed to the medical area at the Finish Line if you have a health or medical problem. Please cooperate if asked to go for a checkup. Only runners requiring medical assistance will be permitted in the Medical Area. If you cannot finish the race, please notify a race official of your bib number.
FINISH INFORMATION
Chips and Salsa Half Marathon Finisher Medals will be presented to all half marathon finishers immediately as they cross the finish line. Access to the Recovery Area is limited to runners only.
AWARDS AND PRIZES
Overall and division award winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on race day at 9:30 am. Awards and medals must be picked up on race day; they will not be mailed.
COURSE MAP LINKS
- Half Marathon: NM CHIPS AND SALSA HALF MARATHON 2026 - MapMyRun
- 10K: NM CHIPS AND SALSA 10K 2026 - MapMyRun
- 5K: NM CHIPS AND SALSA 5K 2026 - MapMyRun
EVENT RESULTS
Official results will be posted immediately after each Event's completion near the finish and on the RunFit website: www.irunfit.org.
PROCEEDS
A portion of the Event proceeds will benefit RunFit, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides children with before-, during-, and after-school running programs.
HISTORY OF RUNFIT
RunFit, a before- and after-school running program, was launched in the spring of 2006 to help curb childhood obesity by creating a running program for children at after-school programs across New Mexico. RunFit is designed to help youth of all sizes, fitness levels, and abilities use the discipline of running to improve health, build character, and uplift the spirit. Participants learn to set and achieve challenging personal goals, are awarded incentives for attendance and improvement, and culminate in local running events.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
More than 75 volunteers are needed to ensure the Half Marathon runs smoothly. Contact RunFit at (505) 217-4774 or email [email protected] to volunteer.
VIRTUAL RUN/WALK
Follow these three easy steps to run/walk your Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K! Note: Kids K is a non-timed event.
- Step 1: Walk or run ANYTIME between September 5 and 13, 2026, and record your race time using Strava, Garmin, MapMyRun, MapPedometer.com, or a simple stopwatch.
- Step 2: Email your race completion time to [email protected]. Include first and last name, run date, Event (Half, 10K, or 5K), city and state, and race completion time. Run/walk times must be submitted by 11:59 pm (MDT) on September 14, 2026.
- Step 3: Submit a selfie on RunFit Facebook: Post on https://www.facebook.com/Runfitabq/. Submit a selfie after your run/walk or a pic of the location you ran/walked!
Please note Steps 2 and 3 are optional.