Enchanted Forest Trail Races

Red River, New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment. Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Enchanted Forest Trail Races return on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Choose the 26.5‑mile marathon (4,000 ft gain), 14.7‑mile heavy half (1,600 ft gain), or the 7.6‑mile Face Challenge (1,400 ft gain). High‑altitude trails in the Carson National Forest and the Enchanted Forest cross‑country ski area — elevations from 8,670 ft to 10,480 ft. Rugged singletrack, rolling alpine meadows, and stunning mountain views. After the race: relax in town with local food, music, and microbrews.

Location — Red River, New Mexico:

• Red River is a small mountain town in Taos County, about 40 km east of Taos, 3 hours north of Albuquerque
• Sits on the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains
• Known as a quintessential cool little adventure town — rivers, mountains, stunning views, tons of character, and a huge heart
• The courses run through the Carson National Forest and the Enchanted Forest cross‑country ski area (a summer trail network)
• Terrain: rugged singletrack, rolling high‑alpine meadows, aspen groves, and conifer forests

Altitude — A True High‑Elevation Race:

• Low point: 8,670 ft (start/finish in Red River)
• High point: 10,480 ft (marathon and Face Challenge)
• Heavy half high point: 10,200 ft
• Runners from sea level should arrive at least 24‑48 hours early to acclimatize
• Expect thin air, intense sun, and cool mountain temperatures (lows at night near 50°F, daytime highs 70‑80°F)

Course Details — Trail Marathon (26.5 miles):

• Approximately 4,000 ft elevation gain
• 2,500 ft loss (not specified — total gain/loss likely similar)
• Rugged singletrack, jeep roads, and ski trails
• Stunning views of Wheeler Peak (13,161 ft) — New Mexico's highest point

Heavy Half Marathon (14.7 miles):

• 1,600 ft elevation gain
• Perfect for runners who want a challenge but aren't ready for the full marathon
• High point 10,200 ft — still very high, but less climbing than the marathon

The Face Challenge (7.6 miles):

• 1,400 ft elevation gain
• Short but steep — "The Face" likely refers to a steep climb up the mountain face
• Perfect for runners who want a fast, hard effort at altitude

What's Included:

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher memento (medal or custom award)
• Event shirt or other race memento (technical fabric — included with registration)
• Aid station goodies (water, electrolyte, gels, fruit, snacks, maybe hot food at some stations)
• Post‑race refreshments (food, drinks, local microbrews)
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start/finish area
• Place winner awards (top finishers per distance)
• Age group awards (likely 10‑year brackets)

Non‑Refundable — Credit Policy:

• Entry fees are non‑refundable and non‑transferable
• 30+ days before event: 85% credit toward a future Gemini Adventures race (valid 12 months)
• Less than 30 days before event: no refund or credit
• You may switch between distances — no refund for dropping down; pay the difference for moving up

Pricing (USD):

• Early (until Jan 1): Face Challenge $80, Heavy Half $115, Marathon $125
• Standard (until June 1): Face $90, Heavy Half $125, Marathon $135
• Late (until July 27): Face $100, Heavy Half $135, Marathon $145
• Race weekend (on‑site): Face $110, Heavy Half $145, Marathon $155

Logistics:

• Parking available in Red River (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Public transport: no — drive or fly into Albuquerque (ABQ) or Santa Fe (SAF), then drive to Red River (2.5‑3 hours)
• Accommodation: Red River has hotels, condos, cabins, and campgrounds — book early (July is peak tourist season)
• Bib pickup: Friday afternoon/evening and race morning at start/finish area (check event website for times)
• No dogs allowed on course (national forest regulations)
• Strollers not permitted on rugged singletrack
• Wheelchair accessibility not possible on high‑altitude, technical terrain

After‑Race — Relax in Red River:

• After‑party in the heart of town with local food, music, and microbrews
• Red River has rivers, hiking trails, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding
• The Enchanted Forest cross‑country ski area offers summer hiking and mountain biking
• Taos (45 minutes west) — art galleries, historic plaza, Taos Pueblo, and Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Past Performance (Marathon Men):

• Cabel McCandless — 4:01:07 (2023) — course record
• Jay Vogel — 4:04:17 (2023)
• Gary Krugger — 4:18:03 (2022)

Organizer: Gemini Adventures.