Register Today for the 22nd Annual Cherry Garcia Run! 🍒🏃♂️
Join us on Sunday, June 21, 2026, for the 22nd Annual Cherry Garcia Run — the perfect way to kick off your summer!
Choose from the 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, or Kids K — we truly have an event for everyone. This year’s race falls on Father’s Day, making it a special opportunity to celebrate with your dad, run in honor of your father, or simply recognize fathers everywhere while creating lasting family memories.
This fast and flat loop course is nestled in the heart of Albuquerque’s North Valley and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Imagine the fun you and your family can have together on a beautiful summer morning!
All participants will receive:
🍒 A Cherry Garcia Run finisher medal
👕 A great Cherry Garcia Run tee shirt
🏆 Age group and overall awards eligibility
💦 A refreshing misting tunnel and super soaker at the finish
🎉 Fun summer treats to celebrate your accomplishment
Hundreds of runners and walkers will gather at the start line — don’t miss out on this unbeatable experience!
👉 Register today and learn more at: www.irunfit.org
Proceeds from the event benefit RunFit school youth running programs and school-based RunFit “Fifteen and Fit” youth running and fitness initiatives.
Helping to increase long-term health and build community — one event at a time.
Thank you,
RunFit
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
CHERRY GARCIA RUN
EVENT INFORMATION
EVENT LOCATION
Valley High School
1505 Candelaria RD. NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
EVENT SCHEDULE
June 21, 2026
10K: 8:00 A.M.
5K: 8:15 A.M.
Kids K: 9:15 A.M.
PACKET PICKUP AND LATE REGISTRATION:
June 20, 2026
11:00-3:00 P.M.
FLEET FEET SPORTS
North Towne Plaza
5901 Wyoming Suite R
Albuquerque NM 87109
PLEASE NOTE: RACE-DAY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, ALL PRE-REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS MUST PICK UP THEIR EVENT PACKETS AT “PACKET PICK-UP.”
If you cannot pick up your packets in person at packet pickup, you must designate a representative to pick them up. Out-of-town participants may pick up their packets on race day at the registration area between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.
NOTE: PLEASE CONTINUE TO VIEW UPDATES TO OUR “PARTICIPANT INFORMATION” LOCATED ON OUR RUNFIT WEBSITE: WWW.IRUNFIT.ORG
PARKING:
Parking is available at Valley High School. There will be volunteers instructing you where to park. Please DO NOT PARK ON VALLEY POOL RD OR ON DIRT JUST NORTH OF
VALLEY POOL RD. Also, please do not park along the race route: San Isidro Rd., Candelaria Blvd., Rio Grande Blvd. and Griegos Rd. There is also parking available at Griegos Elementary School just north of Valley Pool Rd. 5K & Kids K Participants: please Park at Valley High School
Note: Please enter the parking lot via Candelaria Blvd. only. Parking is available on the south side of campus (front of school) and north side of campus. No parking on Valley Pool Rd.
10K Participants: Please park at Griegos Elementary School on the north side of campus.
Note: Please arrive between 6:30 a.m. and no later than 7:30 a.m. Valley Pool Road will be closed to traffic after 7:30 a.m.
START
5K & 10K: Valley H.S. Football Field/Track
Note: All events will start on or near the Valley H.S. Track. 10K will start immediately east of the track in the school parking lot. 5K and 10K participants must be at the start no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The Finish is located at the Griegos Elementary School Field just north of Valley Pool Road. Race day registration and post-race activities will be held near the finish.
Reminder: This race is a Gun Start with a Timing Chip finish. The "official time" will start when the gun/horn goes off. Out of town participants (only) may pick up their packet on race day at the Griegos Elementary School Field, just north of Valley Pool Rd. All participants MUST wear a timing chip/bib to be factored into the results and be eligible for Overall and Age Group Awards. Event bibs must be worn on the front of the person and must always be visible 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 or 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 Event management's permission, receive assistance or refreshments from anyone during the Event. Any person who does not properly display an authorized and issued bib number shall be directed to leave the course.
A hands-on medical examination during the progress of an Event by officially designated medical personnel shall not be considered assistance and 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 at once 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 and all 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, other conditions, or governmental orders or directives, in accordance with the Emergency Protocol for 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 prior to 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.
TIMING DISQUALIFICATION
Participants found to be 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 given the opportunity 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.
BATHROOM FACILITIES
Bathrooms are located near the start/finish line—next to the baseball fields. Please allow plenty of time in order to get to the start.
RACE (BIBS) REQUIREMENTS
Each participant will receive a Race (Bib) number that must be worn on 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 entire race so it can be clearly seen. 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 in distress or at risk. If you have a health or medical problem at the Finish Line, please notify event officials or volunteers. Please cooperate if you are asked to go for a checkup. If you feel that you need help at any point, please ask for it!
If you are unable to finish the race for any reason, please notify a race official of your bib number so that the medical personnel are aware. Also, please remember to hydrate throughout the day as well as at the water stations along the course: 5K: 2 Water Stops 10K: 3 Water Stops.
FINISH
The overall and age group division award winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on race day, immediately following the Kids K.
10K
Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women determined by gun time.
Age group prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for men and women: 19 and under, 20-24 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-55, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
Award times will be determined by gun time.
5K
Overall prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women determined by gun time.
Age group prizes will be given to the top three finishers in the following categories for men and women: 7 and under, 8-9, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-55, 55-59,
60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
Award times will be determined by gun time.
Kids K
All registered participants (12 and under) are eligible to participate in the Kids K. The start of Kids K will be at 9:15 A.M. All Kids K participants will start on the Valley High School Track. We ask that all participants and parents/sponsors arrive on time for the 9:15 a.m. start. This is a non-timed event. All participants will receive a special recognition award at the finish.
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 are not allowed to use electronic devices such as headphones and earpieces.
Can I run 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 any similar 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 any other wheeled device 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 that were lost and found 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 the disqualification and/or banning of 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 am unable to run this year?
No, participants cannot defer their entries to the next year if they are unable to run.
Can a friend pick up my packet for me if I cannot attend Packet Pickup?
Yes. Your friend can pick up your packet.
Inclement Weather Policy
Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, paying special attention to the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds, and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these predictions on the RunFit website: www.irunfit.org, so that participants can properly prepare for severe weather during the race, as well as possible course alterations. Severe weather updates will also be sent to participants via email as necessary.
The Race Director will monitor the weather and decide whether to take any action to modify the race. Possible changes include altering the start time for the race or in extreme situations, cancellation of the event. Please listen closely to all public address announcements at the starting line of the race. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for at least 15 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 15-minute increments. If extreme heat is predicted, extra water will be provided to the athletes, both prior to, during, and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to the high temperatures.
Results:
The event timing will be handled using the Race|Results Timing System. Participants must wear a Timing Chip/Bib to receive results. The event bib/chip must be worn in front of the person and must always be visible. Efforts will be made to post results at the finish within 15 minutes of each participant finishing the race. Results will be posted near the finish immediately during and after the event, as well as online at www.irunfit.org. Participants who would like their official time posted and be included in the results MUST wear a timing chip/bib. No timing chips with bibs will be given to Kids K participants since this is a non-timed event. Please note: Awards will be presented immediately after each event. All awards must be picked up on the day of the event. No awards will be mailed.
Post-Race:
Refreshments provided by RunFit,
Results:
Results will be posted to WWW.IRUNFIT.ORG
Review the Course and Support:
Decide where your family and friends can cheer you on when you most need the support. Water and Gatorade will also be provided for the 10K and 5K events: see course link(s) below.
Course Links:
COURSE MAP LINKS (MAP MY RUN. See the course link below:
10K: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/189739106
5K: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/7625186
Note: Copy and paste hyperlink in browser.
VIRTUAL RUN/WALK:
PLEASE NOTE: All registered participants may pick up their event packet: Event Bib and T-Shirt at the time and location listed above, “Packet Pickup.” For those who purchased the “shipping” (only available to Virtual Run/Walk participants), your race swag will be mailed out beginning June 16, 2026, and will continue as registrations come in.
For additional event information, please visit our RunFit website at www.irunfit.org.
If you choose to have your packet mailed to you. Please make sure you enter your mailing address when registering for the event and add the shipping charge.
Please note: If you would like your packet mailed to you, add “SHIPPING” before completing your registration. All other packets will be available for Packet Pickup.
Follow these 3 easy steps to run/walk your 10K or 5K!
Note: Kids K is a non-timed event.
Walk or run ANYTIME between June 15 and June 21, 2026, and record your race time using: Strava, Garmin, MapMyRun, MapPedometer.com, or a simple stopwatch.
Email your race completion time to [email protected]
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Include first and last name, run date, event (10K or 5K), city and state, and race completion time in the body of the email. Note: Subject line: Cherry Garcia Virtual Run Result Information
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Run/walk times must be submitted by 11:59 pm (mtn.) on June 22, 2026.
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Step 3:
Submit a selfie on the RunFit Facebook:
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Post on https://www.facebook.com/Runfitabq/
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Submit a selfie after your run/walk or a pic of the location you ran/walked!
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In providing a photo or selfie, you allow RunFit to share your pic on the RunFit website and other event social media. (The pic you provide will not be used for sales or marketing purposes without written permission.)
Please note: Steps 2 and 3 are optional.
Volunteer Information
Volunteers are still needed to help! Please contact RunFit at (505) 217-4774 to volunteer for race day or email: [email protected]
Thank-a-volunteer campaign!
The Cherry Garcia Run is fortunate to have some of the friendliest and hardest-working volunteers around. Volunteers help us on race morning to ensure you feel welcomed, are fully informed, have a safe, successful, and positive running experience, and more! When you have a chance, give hearty, fun-loving thanks!
Sponsors
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Fleet Feet Sports, New Balance, Heart and Sole Sports, PNM, NM Flooring Solutions, ASRT, Powerade, Infinity Fitness, PenPals, Por Vida Therapeutics, and Great Harvest Bread. We would also like to recognize Valley High School and Griegos Elementary School for their support of RunFit.
Race Questions and Information:
RunFit
(505) 217-4774
Email: [email protected]