Day of the Dead - Day 1 and Day 2
Las Cruces, New Mexico · Saturday, October 24, 2026
The Day of the Dead - Day 1 and Day 2 is a 5k, 10k, 42k, 50k, 100k, 100 miles, half marathon, marathon, running, and trail running event held on Saturday, October 24, 2026. It is located at La Llorona Trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 7:00 AM
- Location
- La Llorona Trail
Las Cruces, New Mexico
88007
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
October 24-25
Events include 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, Marathon, 50K, and NEW 100K & 100 Miler
Time limits stress you out? We have a “no runner left behind” policy, and we happily stay until the final finisher crosses the line.
Walkers are always welcome!
This is a great event to complete your first milestone distance or achieve a new PB.
Event Details
Day of the Dead Series dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026
Race times: 7:00 AM for all events.
Early Packet Pickup/registration: Friday, October 23, 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm (TBA)
Race Day Packet Pickup / Registration begins at 5:30 am on Saturday and Sunday at the La Llorona South End Multi-Use Path Trailhead.
Early Start: YES for Half Marathon distances and up! (Optional) 6:00 am, bring a flashlight. Late arrivals will need to wait until the 7:00 am start. (See Rules Below)
Average temps: Low 41/High 73
Pets/strollers: Pets are not allowed, for the safety and comfort of our runners/walkers; you’re welcome to bring a stroller if you have small children.
Food/aid stations: We will have an extensive selection of food and beverages at our aid stations. We will also have a table for your water bottles that we will refill upon request.
Course descriptions:
Course: Fast, flat, paved, with a crushed gravel lane alongside.
A USATF Certified, Boston Qualifying Course!
USATF Position on GPS Used by Runners
Course length for Half-Marathon, Marathon, 50K, 100K, 100-Mile: 1.1 miles out, then back. (5k and 10K distances do not do the 1.1-mile multiple loops)
5K & 10K distances will be out, then back (1.55 & 3.10)
Our Super Aid Station will be conveniently located and passed multiple times along the course, with 2 hydration stations for 5k / 10k events.
What about the bling? We all know that’s the best part!
Every participant will receive one t-shirt.
All finishers will receive a separate, unique finisher's medal for each day.
Anyone who does back-to-back 50K, 100K, or 100-mile events will recieve a unique Day of the Dead belt buckle and medal.
New Start Location For Day of the Dead Events Only!!
Everyone really enjoyed our new start location for the 2025 Day of the Dead, so for 2026, we will again host all events from the South End Trail Head of La Llorona Park.
If you are unfamiliar with the area, please click on the map below to help locate the start/finish location for all events.
(Lat/Lon N 32.15'53.5 W 106.49'27.3)
Register for the Day of the Dead Series
What you need to know:
-
Friday, October 23, 3:30 pm - 6 pm Packet Pickup / In-person Registration (TBA)
-
Saturday, October 24, 5:30 am Packet Pickup opens / In-person Registration
-
6:00 a.m. early start for Half-Marathon, Marathon, 50K, 100K, and 100-Mile only
-
7:00 a.m. All races start
-
Sunday, October 25, 5:30 am Packet Pickup opens / In-person Registration
-
6:00 a.m. early start for Half-Marathon, Marathon, and 50K only
-
7:00 a.m. All races start
-
Where: Race Start / Finish
(Lat/Lon N 32.15'53.5 W 106.49'27.3)
- Online registration required!!
Check out past years' results and photos HERE
Be sure to post your pictures on our Wanderlust Running Facebook or Instagram pages
Under New Management!
We are pleased to announce that as of March 10, 2025, Wanderlust Running Unlimited now manages https://www.deadrunning.net/
We look forward to bringing you the same amazing Dead Running events with new, creative ideas that will enhance your running experience.
Any questions? Please contact us at [email protected]
Race Director Shane Asbury, Owner, Wanderlust Running
New for 2026
Sign up for Day 1 and receive 10% off any Day 2 event!
How do I get my 10% off? All you have to do is register for Day 1, and you will receive a code that will apply 10% off to your Day 2 registration fee.
Early Start Rules
-
Marathon, Half -Marathon, 50K, 100K, 100 Milers only
-
If you are a 7+ hour marathoner, please consider this option. Early Starts will be at 6:00 AM (1 hour before the regular start); packet pickup and parking will begin at 5:30 (30 minutes before the early start). Aid stations may not yet be open. Participants MUST have a flashlight or headlamp; it will be dark. Early starting 50Kers may have 9.5 - 10 hours for completion. Early starting for 100Kers may have 14.5 -15 hours for completion. 100 Miles has until 7 pm Sunday.
Participants will be led out by a staff person who will walk to the first turnaround. Please be courteous and unobtrusive when entering the staging area while race setup, packet pickup, and regular start are in progress. You will need to be QUIET during that first hour. If you are late to the early start, you will need to wait until the regular 7:30 am start time.