My first year as the Race Director was the 5th year of this event. What a year to take over this event!
The forecast for the day predicted rain for more than a week before, then day of even the predicted clouds burned off early and stayed away until the last few hours of the day. It got hot and a lot of people, myself included, adjusted their distance plans in relation to that heat.
It was fun to meet people who heard about the event on their daily walk around the Academy and opted to come do an official lap (or 4) with us. An adorable 9 doggos joined us (see photos link below), including one pup looking for their forever home.
In a tie for the largest turn out, we had 43 participants who ran a cumulative of 700.4 miles (that’s an average of 16.24 miles per person). With the heat we had 20 people throw down 1-3 laps (3-10 miles). Fourteen people completed at least a half marathon (13.1 miles). The marathon distance was where people stopped or put their heads down and pushed hard for longer distances. An impressive 6 people completed 50k, with 3 people completing 50 miles as the last 16 minutes on the clock ticked down.
I’m constantly impressed with how everyone in this community finds a way to show up for themselves and support others along the way. Thanks to this wonderful running community, the aid station was packed with goodies. We had electrolytes and fuel from Trail Gains, in Salted Lime, Orange Mango, and Power Paloma. Bagels and croissants from Kaufman’s Coffee & Bagels. Vegan Protein Bars from the kitchen of Jen Hecht! A bucket of GU Gels from Perky and Joaquin. Water delivery from Ryan C.
Special thank you to Joaquin for rolling up with a patio shade umbrella just as the day was getting really hot! It also provided a great shelter from the evening rain storm.
This year we had a bit of confusion about measuring the distances on the course. “Someone” said the last lap runners only had 36 minutes (they had 56!) and it was amazing watching the 50 milers finish with 16 minutes left! For next year, we will stick to the measurement of 3.4 miles (it switched from 3.3 to 3.4 between the 2023 and 2024 events) because it’s closer to 3.3 if you run along the fence and a little more than 3.4 if you run along the sidewalk (very edges). I’ll also make sure I have a way to protect the timer from the rain better, so it doesn’t have to hide from runners view.
I didn’t hit my distance goal, but my heart (personal goal) is full after a long, hot day on the Albuquerque Hamster Wheel! I’m so grateful for the friends I’ve made (and keep making) who stayed or came back just to see if I wanted to try one more lap (looking at you Kathy). If you find loops fun, check out Oak Flats Picnic Trails in September.
Congratulations to everyone for showing up and doing hard things! Can’t wait to see you next year!
Race Photos are here: https://curiouslifepov.com/2026-academy-of-pain/
Details for next year: Academy of Pain (AoP)
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