The Capitol Ford Santa Fe International Half Marathon begins at high altitude and in crisp early‑morning temperatures. These procedures help every runner start warm, organized, and ready for the journey ahead.
Arrival and Warm:
Arrive 60–90 minutes before the start to allow time for check‑in, warm‑up, and acclimation to the thin Santa Fe air.
• Use restroom facilities early to avoid congestion.
• Check your gear bag at the designated Gear Drop.
• Begin your warm‑up with light jogging and mobility work.
• Stay warm: September mornings are cold. Wear disposable layers—old sweats, gloves, hats, or a light jacket—that you can drop off at the start line before entering the chute. Event staff will collect these items.
Early arrival reduces stress, gives you time to warm up properly, and helps your body adjust to altitude before the race begins.
Final Line‑Up & National Anthem (T‑15 Minutes).
All runners must be inside their corrals.
• Final Call: Front corrals close at this time; no late entry.
• A respectful performance of the National Anthem follows.
• Announcements will highlight safety reminders and race‑day conditions.
This is the moment to take a deep breath and focus.
Start Sequence — The Kudu Horn
The Santa Fe International Half Marathon begins with a ceremonial Kudu Horn, honoring tradition and signaling the start of your journey.
• Adaptive Athlete Start (T‑5 Minutes): Handcycles and push‑rim athletes receive their dedicated start signal.
• Main Event Start (0:00): The final Kudu Horn blast releases the full field of runners.
The sound of the horn marks the official start—your timing chip activates as you cross the start mats.