Sunday, September 17, 2017 • Gallup, NM • Course Map
Part of a weekend filled with festival events by the same name that take place on the Courthouse Square in downtown Gallup, N.M., the Squash Blossom Classic Half Marathon is a challenging trail run through the hills and mesas of northwestern New Mexico’s High Desert Trail System, a series of recreational trails for hikers, cyclists and runners that is becoming popular with outdoors enthusiasts around the Southwest.
The scenery along the course is worth the price of the trip alone, offering participants expansive, wide open views of the southwestern horizon along the single-track trail that takes runners over both the 1st and 2nd Mesas.
Race organizers caution that the half marathon portion of the race, especially, is not for novice runners and should be attempted only by experienced trail runners. The 4.5-mile and 1-mile runs, they add, are less strenuous.
An out-and-back loop race with many twists and turns, the half marathon course starts and finishes near the Gramerco trail head for the High Desert Trail system, just off North State Road (Hwy. 491).
Organizers note that runners as well as walkers are welcome to participate in the half marathon — walkers will start at 7:00 AM, while those running the half will start their race at 8:00 AM.
Race Weather & Climate
The weather in the Gallup area, which lies in the state’s northwestern corner just over 10 miles from the border with Arizona, tends to be dry year-round with highly variable temperatures in the fall. September temperatures average between 79°F and 44°F, while rainfall amounts average about 1.2 inches for the month.
On race day (Sept. 17), the average low is 40ºF and the average high is 79ºF.
Past Results
- 2016 Squash Blossom Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Squash Blossom Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Squash Blossom Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Squash Blossom Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Squash Blossom Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Squash Blossom Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 8:00 AM
Fees
- $20 – $35 for the half marathon
- $20 – $35 for the 5K and 10K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of the Squash Blossom Classic Half Marathon, 10K or 5K race, register online at the event website here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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