Race Info
The Duke City Marathon course starts at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. Harry Kinney was Albuquerque's mayor in 1984, and officially started the first Duke City Marathon together with the 15th Duke of Alburquerque (the original Spanish spelling), who traveled from Madrid, Spain, to be on hand for the inaugural event.
Since 1984, the Duke City Marathon has grown to hosting seven races:
Marathon (RRCA West Regional Championship)
Marathon Relay
Half Marathon (2023 RRCA New Mexico State Championship)
10K Run
10K Walk
5K Run
5K Walk
Something for everyone!
Age Groups: 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+
Categories: Male, Female, Wheel Chair, Relay (Men's, Women's, Co-ed, Military, Law Enforcement, Pueblo)
Each Registration Includes: New Dri-Release Moisture-Wicking Long Sleeve Shirt, Finishers Medal, Race Bib, Timing, Race Packet, Post Race Festival, Post Race Refreshments
There are NO refunds and it is not possible to transfer your registration to someone else. There is a $20 event transfer fee.
Race Schedule
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time | Event |
---|---|
6:45 a.m. | Opening Ceremonies |
6:50 a.m. | Pre-race Warm-up |
7:00 a.m. | Marathon |
7:00 a.m. | Marathon Relay |
7:15 a.m. | Half Marathon |
7:30 a.m. | 5K Run |
7:45 a.m. | 10K Walk |
8:00 a.m. | 5K Walk |
8:15 a.m. | 10K Run |
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Post Race Festival |
Hotels
Stay with one of our hotel partners, and receive a special discount only for Duke City Marathon participants.

DoubleTree
DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque is a newly renovated hotel in the downtown business district. This newly renovated hotel is connected to the Albuquerque Convention Center. Take the complimentary shuttle to Albuquerque Airport, located just five miles from the hotel.
Book Your Room →
Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque
Just off I-25, our spacious suites are just five miles from the Albuquerque International Airport, and within two miles of downtown Albuquerque, where Duke City Marathon Expo and races take place. All guests will enjoy free, made-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening receptions.
Book Your Room →Race Week
If you registered before September 22, you can pick your packet up between October 17-20 at the Big 5 Sporting Goods store located at 2720 San Mateo Blvd, between 12:00pm and 6:00pm. The store is located on the east side of the street, just north of Menaul Blvd.
If you are unable to pick your packet up during this time, it will be available at the Health & Fitness Expo at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
All packets will be distributed with your race bib. Remember to bring it with you on Race Day. You will not be issued another one.
Course Info
All city streets on the DCM course are closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, October 22nd. Runners and walkers will run west on Central, followed by these directions: Turn left (S) on Laguna Turn left (E) on Kit Carson (which is the 5K turnaround). Turn right (S) on Alcalde Turn left (E) on Tingley Drive and access the Paseo del Norte Trail just East of the train tunnel. At this point, the 10K races turn east, while the Half Marathon, Relay Marathon and Marathon races turn west.
At mile 10, Marathoners and Relay Marathoners will turn right (E) towards the spectacular Sandia Mountains. After 3.1 miles you will make a U-turn and retrace your steps on the Paseo del Bosque Trail, back to the finish line at Civic Plaza.
Starting Line: 3rd Street and Tijeras – All Events
Finish Line: 3rd Street, between Tijeras and Marquette – All Events
Course Map and Elevation Charts

Marathon Course Elevation Chart
Elevation at the Start/Finish is 5018 feet. Elevation at the turn around point (13.1 miles) is 5141 feet, a difference of +123 feet.

Half Marathon Course Elevation Chart
Elevation at the Start/Finish is 5018 feet. Elevation at the turn around point (6.5 miles) is 5038 feet, a difference of +20 feet.

Marathon Relay Transition Points
First Leg - 4.8 Miles: STARTING LINE
4.8 Miles from Starting Line at 3rd St. and Marquette to Transition #1.
Second Leg - 6.2 Miles: Transition #1
Mile 4.8, on the Paseo del Bosque trail intersection with Gabaldon Place, (from Rio Grande Blvd., turn west on Mountain Rd. to Gabaldon Rd. Turn on Gabaldon Dr., under I-40 to Gabaldon Pl. to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Third Leg - 4.2 Miles: Transition #2
Mile 11, trail parallel to Paseo del Norte Blvd. (heading east).
Go north on Rio Grande Blvd. Before crossing over Paseo del Norte Blvd., turn left on gravel road to enter the parking lot.
Fourth Leg - 6.2 Miles: Transition #3
Same as #2 Mile 15.2, (Runners & Walkers turn - around point heading west)
Fifth Leg - 4.8 Miles: Transition #4
Mile 21.4, Same as first transition point.
Water station, portable toilets, and official observer at each point. Runners are responsible for their own transportation to the transition station.