2026 El Paso Marathon

The 2026 El Paso Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, with the start and finish at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. The event is part of the Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon Weekend and will take place on a course that winds through the city’s urban landscape on paved streets and pathways. On race day, El Paso is expected to have mostly sunny skies with high temperatures ranging between 55°F and 65°F, offering favorable conditions for runners. Participants can expect a well-organized event with a focus on historic downtown El Paso, a net downhill finish for the marathon, and a variety of race distances tailored to different levels of runners.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon starting at 7:00 AM
• →Half Marathon starting at 7:20 AM
• →5K starting at 7:40 AM

What is the schedule for the 2026 El Paso Marathon and Half Marathon?

• →Marathon: 7:00 AM start, 6-hour time limit, course closes at 1:00 PM
• →Half Marathon: 7:20 AM start
• →5K: 7:40 AM start

What are the course details for the marathon?

• →The marathon course is a net downhill in the final miles, offering a strategic advantage for runners aiming to meet Boston Marathon qualifying times or Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championship standards
• →The course runs through Downtown El Paso, using city streets under police-monitored traffic control
• →The start and finish are located at San Jacinto Plaza, the same location as the inaugural 2007 race

What are the mandatory course cut-off times for the marathon?

• →Participants must reach the 20-mile mark by 11:30 AM
• →Those not reaching the 20-mile cut-off will be transported to the finish line

What is included in the registration for the event?

• →All in-person finishers receive a commemorative medal
• →Packet pickup is mandatory at the Sarah Farms Health & Fitness Expo at the El Paso Convention Center on Saturday, February 21, with no race-day pickup available

What are the event rules and restrictions?

• →No strollers, baby joggers, or pets are permitted on any race course
• →The marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier and Abbott WMM Age Group World Championship qualifier

What is the weather forecast for the event?

• →On Sunday, February 22, 2026, El Paso is expected to have mostly sunny skies with high temperatures ranging between 55°F and 65°F
• →The weather is considered favorable for runners, with minimal risk of precipitation

What is the significance of the event location?

• →The event is centered in Downtown El Paso, with the start and finish at San Jacinto Plaza
• →The course highlights the historic urban core of El Paso, serving as both a scenic backdrop and a performance-enhancing finish zone
• →The event attracts international participants and showcases the city’s cultural and historical heritage

What is the event’s focus and purpose?

• →The event emphasizes the urban landscape of Downtown El Paso and its role as a key running destination
• →It provides a competitive and scenic experience for runners of all levels
• →The course design and location support both recreational and competitive runners in achieving their personal goals