NM Farolito 5K

🎄 Experience the Magic of a New Mexico Christmas! ✨

Join us on Saturday, December 12, 2026, for the 22nd Annual New Mexico Farolito “Trail of Lights” 5K & Kids K—one of RunFit’s most magical holiday traditions!

Imagine running or walking beneath the stars along a course illuminated by 2,500 glowing farolitos (luminarias). In true New Mexican Christmas tradition, these candle-lit, sand-filled bags create a warm and enchanting pathway for an unforgettable evening with family and friends.

Hundreds of runners and walkers come together each year to celebrate the season, making the Farolito “Trail of Lights” a cherished New Mexico holiday tradition you won’t want to miss!

🎁 Registration Includes:
Long-sleeve event T-shirt
Custom finisher medal
Delicious New Mexican holiday treats at the finish, including posole, hot chocolate, and other seasonal favorites
A truly unique New Mexico holiday running and walking experience
✨ Run. Walk. Celebrate.

Gather your family and friends, bundle up, and experience the magic of the holidays under the soft glow of thousands of farolitos.

Register today and make the NM Farolito “Trail of Lights” part of your holiday tradition!

For event details and registration, visit www.irunfit.org.

NM FAROLITO "TRAIL OF LIGHTS" 5K

EVENT INFORMATION

Event Location:

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

9169 Coors. Rd. NW

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87120

Event Schedule: 

December 12, 2026

Twilight Kids K: 5:15 P.M.

5K RUN: 5:30 P.M.

5K WALK: 5:40 P.M.

Packet Pickup:

Friday, December 11, 2026

Fleet Feet Sports

3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

FLEET FEET SPORTS

North Towne Plaza

5901 Wyoming Suite R 

Albuquerque NM 87109

NOTE: THE 5K RUN (RUNNERS ONLY) WILL START FIRST, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER – 5:40 p.m. - THE 5K WALK WILL BEGIN. RUNNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO LINE UP AFTER KIDS K HAS FINISHED. PLEASE DO NOT LINE UP AND ENTER THE ROAD/COURSE UNTIL THE RACE DIRECTOR HAS MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO LINE UP.

PLEASE NOTE: RACE-DAY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, ALL PRE-REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS MUST PICK UP THEIR EVENT PACKETS AT “PACKET PICK-UP.” 
Note: If you cannot pick up your packet in person at the location and time stated below, you must plan for a representative to do so. Any out-of-town participants may pick up their packet on race day at the registration area between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. at SIPI.

Event Route:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/335479563

Start:

Location: Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

The 5K and Kids K start location is near the finish.
All races will start promptly at the designated times listed above. Allow plenty of time to get to the start. If you drive to the race, plan to arrive early and park. This race is a Gun Start with a clock finish. There will be no posting times. Overall awards will be presented to the top 3 Males and Females.  

NOTE: THE 5K RUN (RUNNERS ONLY) WILL START FIRST, AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER, THE 5K WALK WILL BEGIN. RUNNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO LINE UP AFTER KIDS K HAS FINISHED. PLEASE DO NOT LINE UP AND ENTER THE ROAD/COURSE UNTIL THE RACE DIRECTOR HAS MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO LINE UP.

Parking:

PLEASE USE DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS/SPACES ONLY. DO NOT BLOCK HANDICAPPED OR OTHER RESTRICTED PARKING AREAS—NO PARKING ON DIRT FIELDS OR THE SIDE OF ROADS.

Bathroom Facilities:

Bathrooms (port-a-potties) are located in the east parking lot, just east of the finish and next to the start.

Race (Bib) Number Requirements:

Each participant will receive a Race (Bib) number that must be worn on race day. DO NOT alter your race number in any way. Your bib number must be visible and worn on the front outside of all clothing during the entire race so that it may be clearly seen. Bib numbers are non-transferable and MUST be worn by the runner to whom they are assigned.

Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
Yes. USATF, the sport's national governing body, recently amended its ban on headphones, iPods, and similar devices. However, athletes competing for prizes cannot use electronic devices such as headphones and earpieces.

Can I run with my Garmin GPS or my Nike Plus device?
Yes, participants may wear their Garmin GPS watches and Nike Plus devices. However, these items do not count as “second timing devices" and will not be recognized by the event as official times or distances.

What is NOT allowed on the course?
Participants are prohibited from using video devices, cell phones, computers, cameras, or similar devices in the event. Wheeled devices or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to (a) authorized and registered competitive wheelchair participants and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles, or other wheeled devices will not be permitted.

Note: Sadly, no dogs are permitted.

Note: Strollers and baby joggers are permitted. They must start at the back of the pack, and your child must always be secure in the stroller. Moreover, strollers and joggers must be well-lit to prevent a tripping hazard or accident for other participants.

Do you have a Lost & Found in case I lose something at the Event or on the racecourse?
Yes. We will have a Lost & Found for lost and found items on race day. If you are missing a personal item, please call 505.217.4774.

I am injured and cannot run the event (family commitments, work obligations, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry, or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. The sale and transfer of race entry/bibs are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification, and any individuals involved will be banned from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred toward a future event.

If I provide medical documentation of my injury or pregnancy, will you give me a refund?
No. Please refer to our official event rules and guidelines.

Can I defer my entry to the next year if I cannot run this year?
No, participants cannot defer their entries to the next year if they cannot run.

Can a friend pick up my packet if I cannot attend Packet Pickup?
Yes. Your friend can pick up your packet for you. 

Inclement Weather Policy:

Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, paying special attention to the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds, and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these predictions on the RunFit website: www.irunfit.org so that participants can properly prepare for severe weather during the race and possible course alterations. Severe weather updates will also be sent to participants via email as necessary.

The Race Director will monitor the weather and decide if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include altering the start time for the race or, in extreme situations, canceling the event. Please listen closely to all public address announcements at the race's starting line. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 15 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 15-minute increments. If extreme heat is predicted, the athletes will be provided extra water before, during, and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to the high temperatures.

Medical Support:

Medical staff members will be ready to assist you at any time. Radio communications personnel will be positioned at every aid station along the course.
The event officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race who appears distressed or at risk. You will be directed to the medical area at the Finish Line if you have a health or medical problem. Please cooperate if you are asked to go for a checkup. Only runners requiring medical assistance will be permitted in the Medical Area. If you need help at any point, please ask for it!
If you cannot finish the race for any reason, please notify a race official of your bib number so that medical personnel are aware.

Post-Race: 

Post-race refreshments will be held immediately after you finish. Finally, enjoy some of your favorite holiday treats.

Race Questions and Information:

RunFit

Event Director: Stephen Pino

Phone: (505) 217-4774

Email: stephenpino@hotmail.com

Website: www.irunfit.org