Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026
Ruidoso Runfest Half Marathon: high-altitude party in New Mexico's Sacramento Mountains.
Race Date
Sep 18, 2026
Location
Fort Stanton, NM
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, September 18, 2026
- Location
- Fort Stanton, New Mexico
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Atmosphere
The Experience
Now in its 7th year, the Ruidoso Marathon and Half Marathon anchors a weekend festival in Fort Stanton, New Mexico, where live bands, food trucks, and the Downshift Brewing Company beer garden turn the finish line at Wingfield Park into a celebration. The course runs on scenic mountain roads, with the crisp September air and pine-studded vistas typical of the Sacramento Mountains. While elevation details are scarce, the 1,500-foot gain some participants mention suggests a climbing challenge that rewards with sweeping views.
Runners cross a mix of paved roads and gentle forest trails, with aid stations positioned to support the effort. The atmosphere is distinctly local — organized by the Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation, the event draws a family-friendly crowd that lingers for post-race pizza, live music, and a bear carving demonstration. With a generous time limit and a festival layout, this half marathon offers a low-pressure, high-community outing for runners seeking an authentic small-town race experience.
Race-provided description
Join us on September 18th and 19th for the 2nd Annual Ruidoso Runfest, featuring a weekend of running, local bands, food trucks, and the Downshift Brewing Company beer garden. This will be a family-friendly weekend hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation dept.
Friday night kicks off the weekend with the Pizza Hut 5K and Kids 1K fun run. Finish line at Wingfield Park will host the awards for the 5K, along with music, post-race pizza provided by Pizza Hut, and a beer garden.
Saturday's events include the 7th running of the Ruidoso Marathon and Half Marathon, and in its 3rd year, the State-Forty-Seven Road 47K/50K presented by Bluebird Running. This is a 47K run for overall and age group awards. For those wanting to complete a true ultra 50K distance, we have an additional loop that needs to be completed by 2 pm. This is New Mexico's only premier road 50K!!
Saturday will feature a festival-like atmosphere, complete with awards, post-race food provided by Pizza Hut, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, and a bear carving demonstration.
Don't miss this family-friendly weekend and book your rooms early!
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, September 18, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
104 Kit Carson Rd Fort Stanton, Fort Stanton, NM, 88323
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
limited extras
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 77°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
77°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
57%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026?
The Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 is held on Friday, September 18, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 take place?
It takes place in Fort Stanton, New Mexico.
What distances does the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 course flat and good for a PR?
The Ruidoso Runfest September 18-19, 2026 is a rolling hills, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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