I’m running the ABQ Running Fiesta Half Marathon in memory of my dad, who passed away from cancer last year. He was the one who first got me into running—we used to jog together on weekends, no matter the weather.
This will be my first official race without him cheering from the sidelines, but I’ll carry his spirit with every mile. I’ve written his initials on my shoes and plan to leave everything out there on the course.
Finishing this race is my tribute to him and the strength he passed on to me.

– Jasmine R., 29 – Albuquerque, NM

As a non-binary runner, I never thought I’d see a race that acknowledged people like me. The fact that the ABQ Running Fiesta includes a non-binary division means more than words can say.
Running gives me peace, clarity, and a sense of control in a chaotic world. I’ll be doing the full marathon—not just to test my limits, but to show others that we belong here, too.

– Alex S., 33 – Santa Fe, NM

A year ago, I couldn’t run a block without gasping for air. I was going through a tough divorce and needed something—anything—to focus on. I found a Couch to 5K program, and one run at a time, I rebuilt not just my stamina but my confidence.
Now, I’m registered for the ABQ Running Fiesta Half. I may not be the fastest, but I’ve come so far. This race is a celebration of growth, grit, and second chances.

– Luis M., 42 – Rio Rancho, NM

Being a mom of todlers and a military wife is so fun, but also challenging- there are daily messes, tantrums, unknowns and miscommunications. I could feel myself slipping as I got into a rut of responding to life, depressed, waking up tired before the day even started. I love running because it engages me in all the aspects that make me me- emotionally, spiritually, mentally, physically and relationally. Whenever I'm feeling hopeless that things will never get better, or feeling disengaged with life, I discipline myself to get out there and run. So, I started training for the Albuquerque Run Fiesta, ready for a celebration of life and ready for all the growth that comes with routinely running. And you know what? The early mornings before the kids got up, the long Saturday runs while my husband sacrificed his time to help the boys, they slowly helped me heal and re-engage with life with a stronger determination and focus. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love yout neighbor as yourself. That's all the aspects of being a human- emotions, spirit, mental well being, physical well being, and social well being. When I bring all of this to Jesus, even the brokenness, I feel life flow back into the everyday rhythms of living. So, I ran, dressed as a skeleton to make my kids smile and my husband roll his eyes at me, and reminded myself to see the other people running too, to cheer them on in whatever brought them to running this race too.

-Jennifer G - Albuquerque, NM