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Death by 5k Albuquerque logo

Death by 5k Albuquerque

Sat, May 30, 2026, 8:00 AM MDT

Location
Albuquerque, NM
4401 Alameda Blvd NE, 87121
Featured distance
50K
Type
RUN
Official registration

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

A demanding 24-hour challenge where you run ten 5ks, testing your limits against fatigue, darkness, and the clock for a coveted coffin award.

  • Competitive
  • Quirky

Great for: runners who like a competitive edge, runners training for a serious effort

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing, first-time racers without recent mileage

Death by 5k Albuquerque offers a unique 24-hour challenge at Balloon Fiesta Park. Participants tackle ten 5k segments, each starting 2.5 hours apart, testing their mental and physical endurance through physical fatigue, sleep deprivation, and running in the dark. The course follows paved roads and multi-use paths. Runners can set up tents or sleep in cars between segments. Prepared food, snacks, water, and Gatorade are provided. Finishers earn a coveted coffin award and an event shirt, celebrating their survival of this demanding experience.

What to expect

  • Conquer ten 5k races over 24 hours, starting each segment 2.5 hours apart.
  • Prepare for a significant mental and physical test, including running in the dark and managing sleep deprivation.
  • Enjoy provided food, snacks, and hydration, with space for tents or car sleeping between segments.

Standout details

  • Signature 24-hour challenge
  • Ten 5k segments over 24 hours
  • Coveted coffin awards for finishers
  • Test of mental and physical endurance

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Vibe Check

Serious Test

Mixed surface + hills, long distance + warm-day exposure

  • Warm season
  • High altitude

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • —
From the organizer

Death by 5k is coming BACK to Albuquerque!

Join us for the third edition of Death by 5k Albuquerque taking place at Balloon Fiesta Park on May 30-31.

RunStrong Event's signature 24 hour challenge, Death by 5k requires participants to run ten 5ks, starting each 5k 2.5 hours apart. The first 5k starts at 8 am, and subsequent 5ks start at 1030, 1, 330, 6, 830, 11, 130, 4, and 630 am. Participants need to be present at the start of each 5k, and have that 5k finished prior to the start of the subsequent 5k. This challenge is designed to test participants mentally and physically with physical fatigue, sleep deprivation, and running in the dark. (Headlamps, hand lights, or some other form of illumination will be required)

In between each 5k, participants will be able to sleep in their cars, or to put up tents in the grass field adjacent to the pavilions and the race hq tent. There is plenty of space for pop up or camping tents.

The 5k route will be on paved roads/multi use paths in and adjacent to the park.

Prepared food will be provided at 830 am, 130 pm, 9 pm and 430 am. Snacks will be provided throughout the entirety of the event, along with water and Gatorade.

Participants will receive an event shirt and other cool race swag. Finishers will receive one of our coveted coffin awards and the pride that comes with surviving.

Registration will be limited initially to 175 participants. After that, a waitlist will be enabled and we will open spots if/when they become available or if we decide to expand the field.

Death by 5k is one of the fastest growing events in the US, and takes place in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Las Vegas, Oregon and even more locations coming in 2026/2027

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