Albuquerque

What outdoorsy stuff is way overrated in this town?: 

Petroglyph National Monument's main visitor area is not very impressive. The walking trails are completely exposed to the sun, and are right next to some neighborhoods. The petroglyphs themselves have been defaced by vandals, making it difficult to tell what is original and what is graffiti.

Hiking
Trails: 

Paseo del Bosque Recreation Trail

The Paseo del Bosque bike trail is a 16 mile paved bicycle and walking/running trail along the Rio Grande. The trail passes through the cottonwoods on the banks of the Rio Grande.

The trail goes right by the Rio Grande Nature Center and Tingley Beach, which is a collection of small ponds for fishing, model boats, and pedal boats. You can also rent bikes at Tingley Beach for use on the trail.

Length: 
16.00miles
Biking
Road Biking: 
You can take road bikes on the Paseo del Bosque trail, but like most multi-use trails, you probably won't be able to keep a good pace up because you will have to yield to hikers, families, horses. The bike trail is more suitable for cruisers or an easy ride with the family.
Bike Paths: 

Paseo del Bosque Recreation Trail

The Paseo del Bosque bike trail is a 16 mile paved bicycle and walking/running trail along the Rio Grande. The trail passes through the cottonwoods on the banks of the Rio Grande.

The trail goes right by the Rio Grande Nature Center and Tingley Beach, which is a collection of small ponds for fishing, model boats, and pedal boats. You can also rent bikes at Tingley Beach for use on the trail.

Length: 
16.00miles
Where can I get a bicycling event schedule?: 

The New Mexico Touring Society maintains a ride schedule and a list of weekly rides, along with bicycle routes and maps here - http://www.nmts.org/

Another excellent source of group rides is here: http://www.nmcycling.org/grouprides.html

Running
Running Routes: 

Paseo del Bosque Recreation Trail

The Paseo del Bosque bike trail is a 16 mile paved bicycle and walking/running trail along the Rio Grande. The trail passes through the cottonwoods on the banks of the Rio Grande.

The trail goes right by the Rio Grande Nature Center and Tingley Beach, which is a collection of small ponds for fishing, model boats, and pedal boats. You can also rent bikes at Tingley Beach for use on the trail.

Length: 
16.00miles
When is the major marathon?: 
New Mexico has two marathons - New Mexico marathon on Labor Day weekend, and Duke City in October. The New Mexico marathon is postponed for 2010, so try the Duke City this year.
Running Races: 

Duke City Marathon

The Duke City Marathon is one of two marathons in Albuquerque - the other marathon, the New Mexico marathon, usually held on Labor Day weekend, is currently postponed for 2010.

The marathon mostly follows the Paseo del Bosque bike trail by the river on an out and back course. This trail is paved and traffic-free.

Date: 
Sun, 2010-10-17
Length: 
26.20miles