Jemez Mountain Trail Runs

The Jemez Mountain Trail Runs are high-altitude endurance races held in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the event is hosted by a nonprofit organization that has donated nearly $300,000 to local charities and scholarships since its inception in 2006. Starting and ending at 650 North Mesa Road in Los Alamos, the races are renowned for their extreme technicality and challenging environmental conditions.

The event offers three primary distances, each featuring significant vertical gain and high-elevation sections reaching over 10,000 feet above sea level.

The geography of the Jemez Mountains is a rugged volcanic landscape characterized by deep canyons and high ridges. The trails are notoriously technical, featuring fallen trees, loose rocks, and altitude-induced challenges. In early May, Los Alamos and the surrounding high country experience highly unpredictable weather patterns. While daytime highs can reach 18°C in town, alpine sections may see freezing temperatures, snow, hail, or intense lightning storms. Due to these risks, a mandatory gear policy is in effect; race officials may require runners to carry specific inclement weather clothing to stay warm and dry. Participants are advised to stage appropriate gear in their drop bags as garbage bags are not permitted as a substitute for professional rain gear.

Registration opens on January 3, 2026, and closes on May 2. The event provides robust support, including a pre-race pasta dinner and a post-race New Mexican feast featuring local beers and barbecue. All finishers receive local, handmade Jemez Pottery and a technical run tee. A strict refund policy allows for a 50% refund only before May 1 and only if a waitlisted runner is available to fill the spot. All proceeds from the race are directed toward local organizations and educational scholarships, maintaining the event's commitment to the Los Alamos community.