Sketchy Trails, Stellar Vibes: State #45 at the Run With Joy Half Marathon

Tahira Bland (HF18830) – Run With Joy Half Marathon: State #45/Lifetime Half Marathon #61
This was the 3rd annual year for this small race in Albuquerque (not spelling that again, calling it ABQ from here on out). This race is in honor of 2 runners and members of the community who have passed away in recent years. They also had close ties to the Canteen Brewhouse that hosted the event.
Race day registration and pickup was available. Parking was a cinch and literally across the street from the brewery. Race briefing started at 7:45am and we were off at 8:00am!
The course was an out and back with a 4 hour time limit. I’m not going to sugar coat this, the course was along a trail following a drainage canal. Parts of the trail had litter and we were warned of the homeless population that live along the canal. The race tried to get the police to do a sweep, but they weren’t being very cooperative. I did see a handful of homeless people, but they were scattered and not all concentrated like the race I did in Macon last year.
One more thing that might give pause, this course is at high altitude. I didn’t acclimate long enough so I got winded pretty easily.
Aid stations approximately every 2 miles fully stocked with gatorade, water, pickle juice, skittles, fruit, donut holes and yes, beer. The course wasn’t completely flat because there were a few steep inclines. I’d say at least 90% of the course was flat though.
As a back of the packer, when I saw I would come in last, I was hoping that I would at least get a finish time and medal. I was SHOCKED to see full course support stayed up the entire 4 hours!!!
Everyone at the aid stations were so nice and enthusiastically cheered me along the way. No crowd support otherwise and the trail is open to other walkers and bikers.
By the time I finished, there were still several people around cheering me on. The announcer pronounced my name correctly and stated I was from Georgia as a 50-stater doing this as my New Mexico race.
After I crossed the finish line, I got a medal, breakfast burrito and root beer (I don’t drink regular beer). Official pictures of the finish line are available a few hours after the race.
I’m fairly bougie at times, but I look at my experience like this. You could be on a gorgeous course, but have a terrible pace shaming experience like I had in Newport, Rhode Island. You could be on a sketchy course with a terrific experience like I had with this race. I’m choosing the latter.
This race had such a positive vibe similar to a Mainly Marathons (but without repetitive loops). Don’t let the sketchy parts of the course hold you back, because the rest of the experience is amongst the best I’ve had in any race. If you are also a back of the packer that needs New Mexico, consider this race. You are just as welcome and celebrated as those that finish first.

Photo and Post Credit Tahira Bland