CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE 5K RUN
- Date:
- Sun, Mar 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location:
-
1101 Park Ave. SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico
87102
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- irunfit.org Register at runsignup.com
- Tags:
- 1k 3.12 Miles 5k Indoor Run Walk Wheelchair
Chocolate and coffee runners and walkers, your time has come! The Chocolate and Coffee Run: 5K and Kids K is brewing to be an event you won’t want to miss! This unique blend of chocolate and coffee, paired with a run or walk, is a great way to start your day!
Brought to you in partnership with the Southwest Chocolate & Coffee Fest, Blue River Productions, and Java Joes, the Chocolate and Coffee Run and 5K is a fast out-and-back course in the heart of Downtown Washington Middle School next to Java Joes. Lace up those running and walking shoes, and join us on March 29, 2026.
*All participants (14 years and above) will receive an entry ($15 value) to the 16th Annual Southwest Coffee and Chocolate Festival on April 11th or 12th, 2026, as well as finish line goodies: chocolate, coffee, and an event tee shirt at the Coffee and Chocolate Run.
To register and learn more about the Chocolate and Coffee Run and other RunFit events, visit www.irunfit.org.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Runfitabq.
Helping to promote long-term health and build community, one event at a time.
Thank you,
RunFit
CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE RUN
EVENT INFORMATION
EVENT LOCATION:
Washington Middle School
1101 Park Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
EVENT SCHEDULE:
March 29, 2026
Start Times:
5K OPEN: 9:30 A.M.
RUNFIT KIDS K: 10:15 A.M.
RUNNER PACKET PICKUP AND LATE REGISTRATION:
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 11-3 p.m.
Heart and Sole Sports
2817 San Mateo Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
*All participants will receive an entry ($15 value) to the 15th Annual Southwest Coffee and Chocolate Festival on April 5th or 6th, 2025, and finish-line goodies: chocolate, coffee, and an event t-shirt at the Coffee and Chocolate Run.
SOUTHWEST CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE FEST
APRIL 11-12, 2026
Expo NM State Fairgrounds
Albuquerque, NM
The Southwest Chocolate and Coffee Fest, established in 2009, is the world's largest event dedicated to chocolate, coffee, and gourmet foods. It features over 200 vendors, six stages, and 250,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor facilities and draws more than 22,000 attendees. Visitors can explore a vast selection of chocolates, coffees, teas, candies, baked goods, and other delightful treats from artisanal producers worldwide. Engage in the culinary arts through interactive classes, tastings, and demonstrations led by award-winning chefs, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and baristas. Enjoy continuous live music from some of the region's top bands.
Note: Nonparticipants and Kids Ages 3-12:
Tickets are $15/$20 at the door. Kids $5. Parking is $10.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS RACE-DAY REGISTRATION; HOWEVER, ALL PREREGISTERED PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PICK UP THEIR EVENT PACKETS AT “PACKET PICKUP.”
If you are unable to pick up your packets in person, you must arrange for a representative to do so. Any out-of-town participants may pick up their packet on race morning at the registration area between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m.
The Race Day Registration will be located at WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL. NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ENTERED IN THE RESULTS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS MUST WEAR A TIMING CHIP/BIB. BIB MUST BE WORN IN FRONT OF A PERSON AND BE VISIBLE AT ALL TIMES DURING THE EVENT.
EVENT DAY
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner towards the community and their fellow participants during the Event. This means, for example, alcohol consumption, urinating or defecating in public except in designated toilet facilities, participant obstruction anywhere on or near the course shall be strictly prohibited unless facilitated by the Event. Anyone who violates this rule of conduct shall be disqualified from the Event and asked to leave the course.
Participants must follow all instructions given by Event officials, including race staff, volunteers, medical personnel, fire and police officials, security officers, and city officials, throughout the duration of the Event.
Event attendees must adhere to city, state, and other public health guidelines and orders. Event attendees who are sick should not attend the Event. This includes Event Attendees who:
Have a suspected or diagnosed/confirmed infectious illness
Are exhibiting symptoms of infectious illnesses such as cough, fever, chills, muscle pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or sore throat
Have had exposure to a suspected or confirmed infectious illness within 10 days of performing contracted onsite event site work
COURSE MONITORING
Any participant who refuses to obey the directions of Event officials, including fire and police officials, city officials, or course marshals, or who conducts themselves in an unsportsmanlike manner, or who is offensive by action or language to officials, volunteers, participants, or spectators may be disqualified by the Event and from future participation at the discretion of race officials.
No participant, after leaving the course, shall be allowed to rejoin the race either for the purpose of gaining a place, to pace, or to assist another participant.
Any participant who has been found by a course marshal, Event official, or surveillance equipment to have gained an unfair advantage by intentionally shortening the race route (“cutting the course”) shall be immediately disqualified from the Event and from future participation at the discretion of Event officials.
A participant who has received any assistance whatsoever from any other person may be disqualified from the Event. “Assistance” includes, without limitation, the conveying of advice, information or direct or indirect help to a participant by any means, including technical communication devices. It also includes pacing by persons not officially participating in the Event. It does not include participation of officially designated Guide Runners, officially designated Support Runners, or contracted pacesetters in the race, provided such pacesetters start in the Event.
Any person who participates in the Event without a current official Event bib number or timing device officially assigned to them is subject to removal and disqualification from future Events.
No persons are authorized to be on the course unless they are registered participants. Therefore, no person shall be allowed to accompany a participant who is not registered for the Event, nor shall any participant, without the permission of the Event management, receive assistance or refreshment from anyone during the Event. Any person who does not correctly display an authorized and issued bib number shall be directed to leave the course.
A hands-on medical examination during the course of an Event by officially designated medical personnel shall not constitute assistance. It will not result in disqualification if the participant is deemed medically fit.
PARTICIPANT SAFETY
The use of wheeled devices by participants or any other person authorized to be on the course shall be strictly limited to (a) authorized and registered wheelchair participants and (b) authorized course marshals on bicycles. Strollers, skateboards, rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles, or any other wheeled device will not be permitted on the course. Motorized devices of any kind are prohibited.
Participants are responsible for recognizing and understanding Event signage, symbols, and color codes related to participant maps, facilities, and directions.
Medical personnel authorized by the Event may examine any participant who appears to be in distress. If, in the sole opinion of authorized medical personnel, it is in the participant's best interest for their health and welfare, medical personnel may remove the participant from the Event.
Participants must retire from the race if ordered to do so by a member of the Event’s official staff, official medical staff, or any governmental authority, including fire and police officials.
Participants are responsible for and assume liability for any medical expenses incurred as a result of training for and/or participating in the Event, including, but not limited to, ambulance transport, hospital stays, physician services, and pharmaceutical goods and services.
Event officials reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to inclement weather or other conditions or governmental orders or directives in accordance with Emergency Protocol on severe emergencies and/or inclement weather.
Participants should familiarize themselves with the Event Alert System (EAS) and adjust their race plans accordingly.
RESULT TIMING
All participants are assigned an electronic timing device before the Event, which is attached to their bib.
Participants are responsible for the proper use and application of their assigned timing device.
Participants must wear their assigned timing device, which is permanently attached to their bib number, continuously from the start line to the finish line to receive an accurate finish time. Bibs must be worn on the front of your person just above the waist.
TIMING DISQUALIFICATION
Participants found wearing two or more Event-issued electronic timing devices during the race will be disqualified, and their results will not be recorded.
Participants with missing or irregular split times at official electronic timing checkpoints may be disqualified.
All finish times are reviewed before times are deemed official. Participants will be allowed to appeal unofficial finish times before they are made official. Appeals must be submitted within three (3) days of the event day.
Participants must begin the Event at the officially recognized start time to register an official finish time.
PARKING:
Parking is available at Washington Middle School and in the surrounding neighborhood. PLEASE, NO PARKING ON THE COURSE NOR BLOCKING OF DRIVEWAYS.
PORTABLE TOILETS:
Bathrooms are located near the start/finish. Please allow plenty of time to get to the start on time.
START INFORMATION:
ALL events start and finish at Washington Middle School. All races will begin promptly at the designated times listed above. Allow plenty of time to get to the Start and seed yourself according to your projected pace. If you are driving to the race, plan to arrive early.
This race is a Gun Start with a Timing Chip finish. The "official time" will start when the gun/horn goes off.
RACE (BIB) NUMBER REQUIREMENTS:
Each participant will receive a Race (Bib) number that must be worn on the race day. DO NOT alter your race number in any way. Your bib number must be visible and worn on the front of all clothing during the race. Bib numbers are non-transferable and MUST be worn by the runner to whom it is assigned.
MEDICAL SUPPORT:
Medical staff members will be ready to assist you at any time. Radio communications personnel will be positioned at every aid/water station throughout the course.
The event officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race who appears distressed or at risk. Please notify event officials or volunteers if you have a health or medical problem at the Finish Line. Please cooperate if you are asked to go for a checkup. If you need help at any point, please ask! Note: If you cannot finish the race for any reason, please notify a race official of your bib number so that the medical personnel are aware.
FINISH INFORMATION:
The overall and division award winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on race day immediately following the event.
5K:
Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women, determined by gun time and top Masters. Note: No double-dipping
Age group prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for men and women: 8 and under, 9-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. Award times will be determined by gun time.
KIDS K:
All registered participants (11 and under) are eligible to participate in the RunFit Kids K. RunFit Kids K will start at 10:30 a.m. Start and Finish is located next to Washington Middle School. All participants will receive a special recognition award at the finish. The race director will notify all runners where to meet before starting. This is a non-timed event. T-shirts will be given to all youth entrants, and finisher awards will be given to all children who complete the RunFit Kids K. Parents may accompany children during the event.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I run with iPod/headphones?
Yes. USATF, the national governing body of the sport, recently amended its ban on headphones, iPods, and similar devices. However, athletes competing for prize money cannot use electronic devices such as headphones and earpieces.
Can I run it with my GPS device?
Yes, participants may wear their GPS watch. 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 in the course?
The use of video devices, cell phones, computers, cameras, or other devices by participants in the event is prohibited. The use of wheeled devices by participants 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. Inline skates, unauthorized bicycles, or other wheeled devices will not be permitted.
Do you have a Lost & Found in case I lose something at the Event or on the course?
Yes. We will have a Lost & Found for items on race day. If you are missing a personal item, please call 505.217.4774.
I am injured or unable to run the event (family commitment, work obligation, etc.). Can I get a refund, donate my entry or transfer my entry to someone else?
No. Sale and/or transfer of race entry/bib are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification and/or banning any individuals involved 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 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 for me if I cannot attend Packet Pickup?
Yes. Your friend can pick up your packet.
What is NOT allowed in the course?
For everyone’s safety, baby carriers, baby backpacks, inline skates, motorized scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and animals of any kind are prohibited from the course. Strollers and baby joggers are permitted. Strollers and baby joggers must start at the back of the pack, and your child must always be secured in the stroller. Please note: The finish is on grass and may be challenging to maneuver in most strollers.
Are baby joggers and strollers allowed?
If you choose to run with a baby jogger, you must seed yourself behind all other runners and register your child at Packet Pickup or registration table at the event, at no charge, for a Rider Bib. Your responsibility is to ensure your baby jogger or stroller does not impede other runners. You must take extra precautions to ensure your safety, your child’s safety, and the runners around you. We reserve the right to pull any participant from the race if they endanger other runners or themselves. Note: Your child must always be secured in a jogger or stroller.
Is there a deadline for completing the event?
Due to our traffic control permit, ALL participants must complete the course by 1:15:00 (One Hour and Fifteen Minutes).
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. However, please keep your dog on a short leash (6-ft. max)
· Only one dog is permitted per participant, whether walking or running.
· Short-hand-held non-extendable leads only - no waist harnesses.
· Stand back at pre-event briefings if your dog is prone to barking. This is to ensure participants can hear announcements clearly and remain undistracted.
· When walking or running with a dog, please position yourself at the start line according to the predicted finish time. We encourage you to start at the back.
· Keep your dog on a lead, by your side, within arm’s reach, and under control throughout the event.
· It is not permitted to participate with a pushchair and a dog at the same time.
· Do consider whether the weather/terrain is suitable for your dog.
· Please clean up after your dog.
Post-Race refreshments provided by RunFit
RESULTS:
Results will be posted online at www.irunfit.org on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Review of the Course and Support:
Decide where your family and friends can cheer you on when you need support the most. There are fluid replacement stations:
Water will be provided along the 5K course; see the link below for the water stop station.
COURSE MAP LINKS (MAP MY RUN):
5K: CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE 5K 2026 - MapMyRun
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION:
Volunteers are still needed to help! Please get in touch with Stephen: phone: 217-4774
email: stephen@hotmail.com
Thank-a-volunteer campaign!
The Coffee and Chocolate Run is fortunate to have some of the friendliest and hardest-working volunteers. Volunteers help us on race morning to ensure you feel welcomed, are fully informed... have a safe, successful, and positive running experience, and more!
The Coffee and Chocolate Run helps support the RunFit After School Running Programs. To learn more about RunFit and other RunFit events, please go to: www.irunfit.org
Race Questions and Information: RunFit
Phone: 217-4774
E-mail: stephenpino@hotmail.com