City of Albuquerque and Duke City Marathon Announce New Partnership

The City of Albuquerque and the Duke City Marathon (DCM) announced a new partnership today that will make the City the presenting sponsor of New Mexico’s premier running event. The partnership, which begins with the 2025 race, will improve the event in exciting ways including a course change that goes along scenic Rio Grande Boulevard and through the heart of historic Old Town. Other improvements will strengthen the marathon’s deep ties to the City, increase charitable community benefits, and underscore the City’s and DCM’s commitment to promoting health, wellness, and local economic vitality.

Now entering its 42^nd year, the Big 5 Sporting Goods Duke City Marathon has grown into one of the Southwest’s most celebrated athletic events, attracting thousands of local and visiting runners to downtown Albuquerque each October. With the City’s support, the event will continue to elevate its offerings for participants, spectators, and the broader community.

“We are thrilled to welcome the City of Albuquerque as our presenting sponsor,” said Duke City Marathon Founder and Race Director Tico Navarro. “This partnership reflects the City’s dedication to fostering a healthy, vibrant community and helps us ensure an exceptional race experience for everyone involved.”

“The Duke City Marathon is a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s active lifestyle and community connection,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “It’s easy to get behind an event that celebrates our city, inspires healthy living, and has been bringing people together here since 1984.”

The Duke City Marathon includes seven races: marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K run, 10K walk, 5K run, 5K walk, and a marathon relay. The race starts and finishes at Civic Plaza.

This year, the marathon route has major changes to amplify excitement and community engagement. For the first time, the southbound section will leave the Paseo del Bosque Trail and traverse Rio Grande Boulevard for five miles through the Village of Los Ranchos. The route will also pass through the Duranes neighborhood and Old Town Plaza on its final stretches to the finish line. The brand-new course highlights Albuquerque’s scenic beauty and iconic landmarks, showcases the city as a top destination for fitness and tourism, and allows for more spectators.

“This partnership shows a real spirit of cooperation and a great sense of leadership on behalf of the mayor and city of Albuquerque” said mayor of the village of Los Ranchos, Lawrence Rael “This gives us an opportunity to showcase the beauty and rural nature of Los Ranchos, and will provide shade for runners as they pass under the trees and open space in the village.”

Other DCM Improvements Include

• The Mayor’s Mile: Mayor Tim Keller will help kick off the race and run the first mile, including a stretch on historic Route 66.
• Additional course features: DCM plans more on-route entertainment and runner encouragement.
• Increased charitable benefits: DCM will up support for the main race beneficiary, Boys and Girls Club of Central New Mexico, as well as establish programs to help other Albuquerque community causes.

Additionally, the day before the big race, Saturday, October 18 at 8 a.m., Run Club ABQ + The ABQ Run Collective (Dukes Track Club, Rosie’s Run Club, Downtown Run Club, Native Women’s Run, Vivo Collective, Run Club ABQ) are hosting a big shake out for DCM! They are inviting runners to come loosen their legs, have a great time, and get race-ready together. They will be running a 5k (3mi, 2mi, and 1mi options), have a DJ and vendors (Hydrobar, Heart & Sole, Brickz Wellness) and more. The group will meet at Little Bear Coffee Downtown.

The 2025 Duke City Marathon takes place October 19. Registration is open on the Duke City Marathon website. Over 4,000 runners have already registered for the event, and the team is on pace to break their previous registration records.

More than a race, DCM also features a free health and fitness expo on Saturday, October 18, at the Albuquerque Convention Center as well as the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden at Civic Plaza on race day. 

For more information, sponsorship details, or volunteer opportunities, please visit the Duke City Marathon website, or follow the Duke City Marathon on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn).

About the Duke City Marathon

Founded in 1984, the Duke City Marathon is New Mexico’s longest-running fitness event, welcoming participants from around the world. The event features multiple race distances and is recognized for its scenic course along the Rio Grande and through the heart of Albuquerque.