Ruidoso RunFest | September 18–19, 2026
Experience Ruidoso at its liveliest during Ruidoso RunFest, a two-day celebration that combines scenic mountain running with live music, local food, and a festive mountain-town atmosphere. Formerly known as Ruidoso Marathon Weekend, this annual event welcomes runners, spectators, and visitors alike for a weekend of competition, community, and outdoor adventure in the cool mountain air of the Sacramento Mountains.
Hosted by the Village of Ruidoso Parks & Recreation, RunFest Friday’s events and festivities take place at Wingfield Park in Midtown Ruidoso.
Saturday’s 47K/50K, Marathon, and Half Marathon now start and finish at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water in Alto, with post-race celebrations continuing throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re running one of the signature races, cheering on participants, or simply enjoying a weekend in Ruidoso, you’ll find live entertainment, local food, and a welcoming community atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Friday, September 18
Pizza Hut 5K & Kids’ 1K Fun Run
Location: Wingfield Park
Start Times
Pizza Hut 5K – 6:15 PM
Kids’ 1K Fun Run – 7:00 PM
Friday evening launches RunFest with two family-friendly races through Midtown Ruidoso. The evening continues with a festive finish-line celebration featuring live music, great food, and a chance to gather with runners and spectators in the heart of downtown.
Saturday, September 19
Bluebird Running Co. 47K/50K • Marathon • Half Marathon
Start Location
Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water
492 Fort Stanton Road
Alto, NM 88312
Start Times
47K/50K – 6:00 AM
Marathon – 7:00 AM
Half Marathon – 8:00 AM
All Saturday races now start and finish at Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water, creating a completely new race experience.
Festival highlights include:
Live music
Food trucks
Downshift Brewing Company beer garden
Awards ceremonies
Live bear carving demonstration
Family-friendly activities
Between race excitement, visitors can explore Midtown Ruidoso’s locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, and cafés, making RunFest an ideal weekend to experience the community’s mountain hospitality.
Why Visit During Ruidoso RunFest?
Experience one of New Mexico’s premier mountain running weekends.
Enjoy crisp September weather and beautiful mountain scenery.
Cheer on runners while enjoying live music and local food.
Explore Midtown’s shopping, dining, breweries, and galleries.
Turn race weekend into a memorable mountain getaway.
Whether you’re participating in a race, supporting family and friends, or simply looking for an exciting fall weekend in the mountains, Ruidoso RunFest offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, community celebration, and small-town charm.
For race registration, course information, schedules, and participant details, visit the official Ruidoso RunFest registration website: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/94941/ruidoso-runfest