Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, Raiz Federal Credit Union Half Marathon, and Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K Run/Walk

About the Races

          In 2026, the El Paso Marathon races will return to our roots when we once again finish in Downtown, just as the marathon did for our first race in 2007.

          Finishing downtown not only gives runners and spectators alike a chance to enjoy the historic center of the city, it lets runners finish on a net decline, which helps them with their finish time and improves their chances to qualify for the 2026 Boston Marathon or the 2026 Abbott WMM MTT Age Group Marathon World Championships.

          The Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon is a qualifier for both the Boston and the Abbott Age Group Championship marathons. Many El Paso Marathon overall winners and age group winners have gone on to compete in those races. 

          Held on the same day as the Raiz Federal Credit Union Half Marathon and the Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K, the marathon and its associated races have attracted runners from nearly every state in the United States and from countries as varied as Mexico, Norway, Liberia, and Germany.

FAQ’S for the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon, RAIZ Half Marathon and Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K

Where do I get my packet, timing chip, and t-shirt?
At the Sarah Fresh A2/A2 Health & Fitness Expo, Saturday, February 21st from 9 am to 6 pm at the El Paso Convention Center, One Civic Center Plaza. There is no race day registration or packet pick-up.

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Only with a printed copy of your email confirmation.

Is there race day registration or packet pick-up?
No.  

On race day where do I wear my bib number?
Ensure your bib number is always easily visible to race officials. 


Will photographers be on the course?
Yes! So be sure to wear your bib on the front so you can be easily identified.  Photos will be available for viewing within 72 hours of the event.

What time does the race start?
Michelob Ultra Full Marathon starts at 7 a.m. 
The RAIZ Half Marathon will begin at 7:20 a.m.
The Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K will start at 7:40 a.m. 
The Kids Dash will take place on Saturday, February 21st, at 1:00 p.m. at the Expo.

Where do the races start?
The Michelob Ultra Full Marathon
Will start at San Jacinto Plaza

The RAIZ Half Marathon
Start and Finish at San Jacinto Plaza
114 Mills Ave.

The Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K
Start and Finish at San Jacinto Plaza
114 Mills Ave.

Clothing drop, will there be a place for me to drop a gear bag?
Yes.  Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K athletes can drop off their bags in the El Paso Community Foundation room located at 333 N. Oregon St. Bring your bag with your Bib# on it.
Marathon runners can drop off their bag at their start line and pick it up in the El Paso Community Foundation room after they finish.

The Kids Dash will take place Saturday at the Sarah Fresh A2/A2 Health & Fitness Expo 
at the El Paso Convention Center, One Civic Center Plaza.

Where do the races finish?
All races finish in the San Jacinto Plaza. 

Will there be finisher medals?
Michelob Ultra Marathon, RAIZ Half marathon, Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K & Kid's Dash finishers will receive a finisher medal.

Will there be clothing drop-off available on race day?
Yes.  Bring your OWN bag on race day or use one of ours to stash your clothing in.  Markers will be available for you to write your bib number on the bag for you to match when picking up. Do not put any valuables in these bags, ie. cell phones, money, ID’s etc. 
The clothing drop will be at the start line.
IF YOU LEAVE ANY ITEMS ON THE COURSE, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT IT WILL FIND ITS WAY BACK TO THE FINISH.

After the race, where do I pick up my drop bag?
There will be a designated area adjacent to the finish line.

Where do I park on race day?
Street parking will be available at the El Paso Convention Center. Follow this link for additional parking options.
 https://downtownelpaso.com/public-transportation-parking/

Are we allowed to run with our pets?
Due to safety concerns, pets are not allowed.  However, certified service dogs are allowed.  

Are strollers allowed?
Strollers, bikes, roller blades, roller skates, or other wheeled conveyances are not allowed on the course.

If I decide to drop out of the race or need assistance, what do I do?
Make your way to the next water stop.  Volunteers will have contact phone numbers. If you experience a medical emergency and cannot make it to a station, flag a member of law enforcement.

How will water stations be positioned?
The Michelob Ultra Marathon will have water stations approximately every 2 miles up to mile 20 then a station every mile.  The RAIZ Half Marathon will have a water station approximately every 2 miles up to mile 8 then share water stations with the Marathon every mile back to the finish line.
There will be one water station for the Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K. 

What will be at the water stations?
Water, of course, and LMNT https://www.drinklmnt.com.  There will also be Gu Energy chews at mile 10 and 19 of the Marathon and at mile 6 for the Half Marathon. 
There will also be plenty of entertainment and enthusiasm at all water stations!
Portable restrooms will be at each water station.

How will I know where to go on the course?
There will be turn signs at each turn along with arrows painted in the pavement.  Volunteers will also be posted throughout the course. 

Will there be any post-race refreshments?
Participants will be treated to post-race refreshments in the Michelob Ultra Party Tent courtesy of Michelob Ultra. Michelob Ultra for participants over 21, water, fruit & burritos for all participants. Only participants will be allowed in the post-race food area and must be wearing their race bib to gain entry.

Is there a time limit for the Full Marathon race?
Yes.  The race is permitted through the City of El Paso for 6 hours.  Anyone who has not reached the 20-mile mark by 11:30 will be picked up and transported to the finish line.

 Please be watchful of hazards on the road.  The City and County of El Paso have done their best to make sure your path is safe, but please be aware of uneven surfaces throughout the course.

HAVE A GREAT RACE!

NEW START & FINISH LINE
Start line: San Jacinto Plaza
Finish line: San Jacinto Plaza
Race day: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Marathon starts at 7:00 a.m.
**No race day registration or packet pick-up available. Baby Joggers/Strollers or pets are not allowed on the course. The Marathon course closes at 1:00 p.m. Course cut-offs will be enforced.
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds, rollovers, or transfers of registration fees.

All in-person & virtual marathon, half-marathon, and 5K finishers will receive a finisher's medal!

Packet Pick up
The Sarah Farms Health & Fitness Expo
El Paso Convention Center
One Civic Center Plaza
Saturday, February 21, 2026
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MARATHON COURSE TIME LIMIT
A 6 HOUR TIME LIMIT WILL BE IN FORCE FOR THE MARATHON COURSE. Runners and Joggers are welcomed to participate in the Marathon Race. Although the marathon race is mainly put on for racers, we applaud all those who set out to complete the marathon distance, regardless of the pace. The race is permitted through the city and county of El Paso and we use officers from the El Paso Police Department to monitor traffic along the route to keep the runners safe. Our City of El Paso Permit requires us to reopen the public streets we run on to vehicular traffic after a certain time period, and thus the need for a time limit. Anyone at not at the 20 mile mark by 11:30 a.m. will be picked up and taken to the finish line.

The RAIZ Half Marathon
Race day: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Start & Finish line: San Jacinto Plaza
Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m.
*No race day registration or packet pick-up available. Baby Joggers/Strollers or pets are not allowed on the course. The race course closes at 1:00 p.m. Course cut-offs will be enforced. Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds, rollovers, or transfers of registration fees.

All live & virtual marathon, half marathon, and 5K finishers will receive a finisher's medal!

Packet Pick up
The Sarah Farms Health & Fitness Expo
El Paso Convention Center
One Civic Center Plaza
Saturday, February 21, 2026
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Spine & Rehab Specialists 5K
Race day: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Start & Finish line: San Jacinto Plaza
5K starts at 7:45 a.m.
**No race day registration or packet pick-up available. Baby Joggers/Strollers or pets are not allowed on the course.
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds, rollovers, or transfers of registration fees.

All live & virtual marathon, half marathon, and 5K finishers will receive a finisher's medal!

Packet Pick up
The Sarah Farms Health & Fitness Expo
El Paso Convention Center
One Civic Center Plaza
Saturday, February 21, 2026
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here is some super exciting news about something really special we're putting together! We're creating what we call our 'Runners Wall,' and it's going to be an awesome way to recognize everyone's incredible effort and dedication.

Here’s the cool part: If you sign up and get registered by **January 1, 2026**, your name will be proudly displayed right there on the wall! It’s a fantastic opportunity to see your hard work acknowledged in a really public and celebratory way.

If you wish to be part of this unique celebration and have your name included, please register by January 1, 2026. Don't miss out!

Looking forward to seeing your name and your inspiration on the wall!

The CareFree Homes Kids Dash will take place at the Expo at 1 p.m.  Pick up packets for the Kids Dash from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Kids will receive a Kids Dash T-Shirt & Medal!
The Expo will be held at the El Paso Convention Center, One Civic Center Plaza, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS 
PACKETS CAN BE PICKED UP AT THE EXPO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PACKETS WILL INCLUDE SHIRT, MEDAL & BAG.
PACKETS CAN BE MAILED FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE OF $10. VIRTUAL PACKETS WILL START TO BE MAILED AFTER FEBRUARY 24, 2026. 

VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO POST THEIR TIMES FROM 2-23 TO 3-2-2026

*PARTICIPANTS WISHING TO TRANSFER FROM VIRTUAL TO LIVE EVENTS WILL PAY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEIR ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE AND THE FEE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER.  SHOULD THE ORIGINAL REGISTRATION FEE BE MORE THAN THE COST OF THE EVENT BEING TRANSFERRED TO, THERE WILL BE NO REFUND FOR THE DIFFERENCE.* 
*ANY TRANSFER FROM VIRTUAL TO LIVE EVENT AFTER 11-25-2025 WILL INCUR A $10.00 TRANSFER FEE*