Rio Grande Marathon

October 26, 2008

updated 10/17/2008

Mesilla Valley Track Club
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Welcome !

Welcome to the Rio Grande Marathon! This year's race, sponsored by the Mesilla Valley Track Club and the New Mexico Tourism Department, will be held

Sunday, October 26, 2008
in Las Cruces, New Mexico
All races will start at 8:00am.

Click here for a Registration Form (PDF, 16KB)

Results through 2006 are posted here

Boston Qualifier and NM USATF State Championship

The Rio Grande Marathon (RGM) is the New Mexico Association Championship for the Marathon distance. Winner's plates designating the NM champions (open and masters, male and female) will be awarded to qualifying New Mexico residents who possess individual USATF membership cards.

The RGM is also qualifier for the Boston Marathon. See the list of qualifying times and special cases that might make you eligible to compete in either the 2008 or 2009 Boston events. Also be sure to mark the RGM application to tell us tht you are a candidate for Boston if you qualify.

Beneficiaries

The Rio Grande Marathon contributes to the Las Cruces Boys & Girls Club.

A Runner-Centered Marathon

The Rio Grande Marathon is a relatively small marathon, with a friendly atmosphere, and is very responsive to the needs of its runners. Emergency radio is provided by the Mesilla Valley Radio Club, whose members maintain surveillance over the runners. At the Rio Grande Marathon, you're a person, not just a number.

Besides the full Marathon, there are also

the Marathon Relay
the Half-Marathon Run/Fitness Walk
the 5K Run/Fitness Walk

All events start at 8:00am, MDT

Location

Las Cruces is located in the Sun Belt of south-central New Mexico. Las Cruces is 40 miles north of El Paso, TX and the Mexican border, and nestled between the majestic Organ Mountains and the meandering Rio Grande. The city is at the crossroads of Interstates 10 and 25, at an elevation of 4000 feet above sea level.

Weather

For late October, the average early morning low is 39 ° F. and the average afternoon high is 73 ° F. Relative humidity is less than 20%, with a probability of precipitation of under 0.05. Runners are encouraged to check the weather forecast as the race date approaches.

Because of the low relative humidity, participants are encouraged to maintain a high level of hydration before, during, and after the events. USATF has provided a hydration guide that you may want to review.

Courses

The courses are flat and fast, with maximum deviation in elevation about plus or minus 10 feet. All courses are out and back, and are certified by USATF. For details, see the Races page

The starting line is outside the Las Cruces Public Schools Sports Complex "Field of Dreams" stadium and the finish is inside the stadium, following a victory lap.

Race Headquarters

The Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn, located on I-10, exit 140, at

901 Avenida de Mesilla
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(505) 524-8603 or toll free (800) 327-3314

Google Map showing the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn
Check out the "Satellite View" option to see the area's terrain

The rate is $(not yet determined) per night (plus all applicable taxes), for up to 4 persons. Make your reservations before Oct 14, or first come/first served thereafter. Callers should identify themselves as participants in the Rio Grande Marathon to be eligible for this special rate.

For additional lodging information, dial

1-800-Fiestas