Runners and Hikers Take on the Trails at the 2025 Foothills 10 Mile Run
Hundreds gathered for a record-setting race and debut of the new 5K Run + Hike
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The 4th Annual Foothills 10 Mile Trail Run, presented by the City of Albuquerque and Parnall Law, brought hundreds of runners and hikers together on Sunday for a day of adventure and community in the stunning Sandia Foothills.
This year marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of the 5K Run + Hike, welcoming participants of all fitness levels to experience the same breathtaking scenery and rugged single-track trails that define this high-desert event.
A total of 348 participants crossed the finish line, 256 in the 10-mile race and 92 in the inaugural 5K, under clear skies and perfect 59-degree conditions. Runners from 14 states took on the challenging course, starting at 6,500 feet and winding through the Elena Gallegos Open Space and Cibola National Forest, with panoramic views of Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley.
In the 10-mile race, Adam Sjolund of Flagstaff, Arizona, broke the course record with a time of 1:01:45 followed by Preston Cates of New Mexico (1:03:12) and Lamech Mosoti of Santa Fe, Texas (1:06:11). Among the women, Alicja Konieczek of New Mexico claimed the top spot in 1:11:42 ahead of Annamaria Kostarellis of Albuquerque (1:12:48) and Emily Clarke of Flagstaff (1:15:29).
In the first-ever 5K Run + Hike, local runners led the way with Kasey Chapman of Albuquerque winning the women’s race in 22:56 and James Joseph, also of Albuquerque, taking the men’s title in 28:41.
“Events like the Foothills 10 Mile Run remind us why Albuquerque is such a special place,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “People from every walk – or should I say run -- of life coming together to enjoy our city, each other, and the outdoors.”
Offering over $7,000 in prize money, including bonuses for USATF podium finishers, the Foothills 10 Mile Run continues to attract elite competitors while maintaining its inclusive, community-driven atmosphere. Participants also enjoyed premium long-sleeve technical shirts, free race photos from Lobo Photo New Mexico, convenient shuttle service, and post-race refreshments featuring New Mexico breakfast burritos, locally brewed root beer from Canteen Brewing, and coffee.
“From the first step on the trail to the last across the finish line, the Sandia Foothills challenge every runner and hiker while offering breathtaking scenery,” said Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon. “Our open spaces are where adventure meets personal achievement.”
Proceeds from the race benefited the Open Space Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting public awareness and conservation of Albuquerque’s open space lands.