Course Map
About this Race
The Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon loops through the streets of far-west Texas's largest city, starting and finishing at San Jacinto Plaza in the heart of downtown. The course threads through the Borderland neighbourhoods in the shadow of the Franklin Mountains, with the Rio Grande and the lights of Ciudad Juárez visible on the horizon. Running at over 1,000 metres of elevation, the desert air is thinner than it appears, and February mornings bring dry, cool conditions that can turn warm by the later miles. The rolling city streets keep the legs honest throughout. The modest field has an intimate, community feel with a strong local contingent and very few international runners. It suits those who want a southwestern loop with genuine personality and striking border scenery over a conventional big-city course.
Course Insight
El Paso runs at over 1,000 metres in the high desert near the border, and the altitude is the defining challenge — the air is thinner than expected and punishes sea-level pacing. Run by effort rather than target splits, especially early. The rolling city loop offers no major climbs but no free miles either. Hydrate well in the dry desert air and expect conditions to warm as the morning progresses.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to meaningful altitude.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 147m
- Elevation loss
- 149m
- Highest point
- 1207m
- Lowest point
- 1130m
- Net elevation
- -2m
- Start
- San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso TX
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The El Paso Marathon was first held in 2002 as the city's flagship road race, built around a loop course through downtown and the wider Borderland neighbourhoods. Its striking setting near the Franklin Mountains and the US-Mexico border gave it a distinct identity among US marathons. Over the years it drew runners with its desert scenery and intimate atmosphere. The race continues as El Paso's premier road event.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- El Paso International (ELP)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown for proximity to the route, the West Side for newer hotels, and the university area for value stays.
- Getting to the start
- Start and finish are at San Jacinto Plaza in downtown; walk from downtown hotels or take a short taxi as parking is limited on race morning.