About This Race
The half marathon strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and adventure, offering runners a substantial taste of desert trail running without the ultra commitment. This 13.1-mile journey showcases the diverse character of the high desert while remaining manageable for those stepping up from road racing or newer to trail distances. The course provides enough challenge to be rewarding while staying welcoming to developing trail runners.
The courses run 99% on desert singletrack trail, starting at the Sierra Norte trailhead off Dripping Springs Road. All races begin at the northern terminus of the Sierra Vista Trail system. The 50K, half marathon, and 1-mile fun run follow out-and-back routes, while the 5K and 10K combine out-and-back sections with loops on both the Sierra Vista and La Maria trails. The terrain is characteristic Chihuahuan Desert with rolling hills, scattered technical sections, and expansive views of the surrounding basin.
Elevation Profile
Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.
The course gains 2,575 ft over 13 miles, with the steepest section between mile 1–mile 1.
Location
Practical Info
Early March typically offers ideal desert running conditions with cool morning temperatures in the 40s-50s F, warming to comfortable 60s-70s F by mid-day.
ELP - El Paso International Airport
Las Cruces offers numerous hotel options. The race start is approximately 8.5 miles east of I-25, accessible via University Ave/Dripping Springs Road.
Best For
Notable Features
This race stands out for its strong community focus and environmental stewardship. As the primary fundraiser for the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance, every registration directly supports local trail maintenance and advocacy. The event encourages shoe donations for homeless services and maintains affordable pricing to keep trail running accessible. The desert setting provides a unique southwestern trail running experience with excellent March weather conditions.