Over 6,000 Runners Compete in 2026 El Paso Marathon

Runners from 48 states and 9 countries take on the full 26.2 miles, half marathon, and 5K races.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 2026 El Paso Marathon brought together over 6,000 runners from across the United States and around the world to compete in three different races - the full marathon, half marathon, and 5K. Runners shared their personal motivations for taking on the challenge, including weight loss goals and inspiring their children. The course featured spectators cheering on the participants, with some runners even dressing up in costumes to keep the positive vibes going.

Why it matters

The El Paso Marathon is a major annual event that showcases the city's vibrant running community and attracts participants from near and far. The race highlights personal stories of transformation and perseverance, while also providing a boost to the local economy through tourism and community engagement.

The details

The marathon featured runners from 48 states and 9 different countries. Participants prepared for months, running 3-4 times per week to build up their endurance. The course took runners through the streets of downtown El Paso, with spectators lining the route to cheer them on. Some runners, like friends Jason Solley and Luis Aguirre, even dressed up in costumes like the Flintstones to keep the mood light. The grueling races concluded with runners feeling a sense of accomplishment as they crossed the finish line, with some nearly overcome with emotion.

  • The marathon runners started at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2026.
  • The half-marathon runners started 20 minutes after the marathon, at 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Pablo Rodriguez

A marathon runner who has lost 100 pounds in the past three years and wanted to set a new challenge for himself to show his 9-year-old son that he can accomplish anything.

Christian

A runner who was completing his fourth half-marathon, and emphasized that consistency in training 3-4 times per week was the key to his success.

Jason Solley and Luis Aguirre

Two friends who ran the half-marathon dressed as the Flintstones, a tradition they have done in the past while running in costumes.

Stephanie Paglinawan

A half-marathon runner who felt amazing crossing the finish line, despite feeling like she might throw up in the final 100 yards.

Luis Rivera Rodriguez

The winner of the 2026 El Paso Marathon, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:35:59.

Caittie Britton

The winner of the women's division of the 2026 El Paso Marathon, finishing with a time of 3:16:53.

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What they’re saying

“I've lost 100 pounds in the past three years. I wanted a new challenge for myself. I also have a nine-year-old son. I wanted to show him that his dad can do anything, so he can grow up and do anything in life.”

— Pablo Rodriguez, Marathon runner (KFOX14/CBS4)

“Consistency is the key.”

— Christian, Half-marathon runner (KFOX14/CBS4)

“We always run together and try to match wearing a costume together.”

— Luis Aguirre (KFOX14/CBS4)

“We try to find one that works well with running. This one worked really well.”

— Jason Solley (KFOX14/CBS4)

“It feels amazing. The last 100 yards, I felt like throwing up. I just tried to zoom past it as fast as I could.”

— Stephanie Paglinawan, Half-marathon runner (KFOX14/CBS4)

What’s next

The winners of the 2026 El Paso Marathon, Luis Rivera Rodriguez and Caittie Britton, will likely be invited to return and defend their titles at the 2027 event.

The takeaway

The El Paso Marathon showcases the city's vibrant running community and the personal stories of transformation and perseverance that motivate participants to take on the grueling challenge. The event brings together runners from across the country and around the world, highlighting El Paso's appeal as a destination for athletic events and inspiring locals to pursue their own fitness goals.