From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find 10k events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Get ready to chase the rainbow at the Lucky 5K/10K/Half Marathon at La Llorona Park in Las Cruces, where every mile feels like a celebration and a little bit of magic is in the air. This spirited race brings shamrock energy, festive fun, and plenty of good vibes—whether you’re flying through the 5K, cruising the 10K, or taking on the bold challenge of the half marathon.
Every participant will score a shiny custom finisher medal, your personal pot of gold waiting at the end of the run. And with awards in each distance across the usual 5-year age groups, there are lots of chances to get lucky and take home some bragging rights.
So throw on your green, channel your inner leprechaun, and let your feet find the fortune—this is one race where luck loves company!
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)
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.
GOBBLE GOBBLE: RUN OFF THE CALORIES BEFORE THE FEAST
1MILE/ 5K/10K
THANKSGIVING MORNING @ LCPS FIELD OF DREAMS
A Las Cruces tradition family fun event!
The Official Las Cruces Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is Volunteer produced by runners for runners!!!
Runners enjoy Tech Shirt, Race swag, and plus Age Group Awards separate from Top 3.
This is a Closed Course Race!!!
New to 2025:
· Slice of Pumpkin Pie at end of race
· Packet Pick Up Expo November 26th (vendors and sponsors Booths available!) @ WIA building on 340 Reymond 3pm-8pm
· Race day registration til 8:00am
As Always:
Free to runners age 14 and under.
Race photos posted results page (tagged by bib #)
Finisher Video posted to results page
Prizes for best costume and largest team.
Free snacks, drinks and Slice of Pumpkin Pie with bib coupon.
Event includes donation drive for El Caldito (bring donations to race Thanksgiving morning).
$5 per person discount for groups of four or more runners who register at the same time.
Free Youth runners cannot register with a group to obtain group discount.
Are you ready for it?
Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there is an event for everyone, Our Turkey Trot offers 3 events: 1mile, 5k and 10k. Portions of proceeds from the registration will be put towards the LCRC Summer Youth Program, a series of 1mile fun runs free to kids 14 and under and also benefits scholarships for all high school cross country teams in Dona Ana County.
All races begin and end inside the LCPS Field of Dreams Track. Our 5k is run along Motel Blvd and Bruins Rd offering wide streets to accommodate all, while our 10k veers off onto the City of Las Cruces Mesilla Drain and Outfall Channel trails before linking back up with the 5k runners . With only about 11ft of elevation gain, the race provides a uniquely flat course on paved surfaces, creating the perfect conditions for you to run your fastest time.
Location of Events
All events(races) start from end of the 3rd exchange zone on the Field of Dreams Track.
Start and Finish Times
1mile: 8:30 a.m. (chip timing)
10k: 9:00 a.m. (chip timing)
5k: 9:20am (chip timing)
*Racecourse will close at 11am for all events
Give Aways
Free Participants will receive a themed Bib, Slice of Pumpkin Pie after finishing race
Paid participants will receive a themed Bib, t-shirt/ or beanie (not guaranteed after 11/12/2025), Slice of Pumpkin Pie
Awards
5k/10k
Overall Top 3 Female/Male: 1st-3rd
Top 3 Age group Male/Female (top runners removed)
1mile
1-14 Age Group Overall 1st-3rd
15+ Age Group Overall 1st-3rd
*Awards will be based on chip timing.
Event Parking
Enter and exit westside parking lot of Field of Dreams from Tashiro Dr
Volunteer
We can always use more people to help make this event amazing! Click here
USA Swimming Club. Safe Sport Recognized. 145 members.
USA Swimming Club. Safe Sport Recognized. 31 members.