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Brenna Moore/Visit Albuquerque
Office: (505) 222-4349
Moore@VisitABQ.org
Albuquerque Set to Welcome the 2026 USATF Masters Indoor Championships
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – (Feb. 17, 2026) – Albuquerque will host top masters track and field competitors from across the country as part of the 2026 USATF Masters Indoor Championships, taking place Feb. 19-22 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The four-day national championship event is expected to draw nearly 2,500 attendees and generate $1.3 million in estimated direct visitor spending.
The championships will feature 960 athletes ranging in age from 25 to 97, showcasing the very best of masters track and field from across the country. This year’s event includes an extraordinary concentration of talent, with 22 world indoor or outdoor record holders, 58 American indoor or outdoor record holders — including one from New Mexico — and seven Olympic athletes. Strong local participation is also expected, with 65 athletes from New Mexico and 55 competitors from Albuquerque and nearby communities, along with 55 reigning world champions from the 2025 indoor or outdoor season and 124 returning Masters Indoor Champions from last year’s championships in Gainesville.
“USA Track & Field is committed to providing world class opportunities for masters athletes to continue their journey in the sport,” said Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field. “We are grateful for our partnership with the city of Albuquerque and for their investment in this national championship event."
“Albuquerque is proud to welcome the USATF Masters Indoor Championships back to our city,” said Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission. “Our warm hospitality, high altitude and excellent indoor facilities make Albuquerque an ideal setting for competitors of all ages to perform at their best. We look forward to cheering on these remarkable athletes and celebrating their achievements.”
The Masters Indoor Championships is a free event open to the public and gives spectators a chance to see outstanding performances in sprints, distance races, jumps, throws and race walks across multiple age divisions. From seasoned veterans to newer competitors, participants will vie for national titles and personal bests in a competitive and inspiring atmosphere.
“Hosting this Championship is a tremendous honor and we’re excited to welcome elite masters athletes from across the country,” said City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “Events like this highlight the importance of having great recreational facilities in our city.”
Events begin daily at 8 a.m., with competition running through 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, until 4 p.m. on Saturday, and concluding at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Media are welcome to attend. For full details, including event schedules and information, visit the official event page at https://www.usatf.org/events/2026/2026-usatf-masters-indoor-championships.
About Visit Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Sports Commission
Visit Albuquerque is an accredited destination marketing organization (DMO), and a private, not-for-profit organization [501(c)(6)]. The mission of Visit Albuquerque is to stimulate economic growth by marketing Albuquerque as a convention and visitor destination, as well as a premier sports destination through the efforts of the Albuquerque Sports Commission (a division of Visit Albuquerque). For more information, go to www.VisitABQ.org.
About the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department
The Parks & Recreation Department maintains nearly 300 parks, 150 miles of multi-use trails, more than 30,000 acres of Major Public Open Space, four municipal golf courses, 12 pools, and numerous recreation facilities throughout Albuquerque, including Balloon Fiesta Park. Hundreds of employees across six divisions within the Department take pride in ensuring Albuquerque residents have great facilities and programs that support quality-of-life, foster a healthy community, and strengthen the local economy.
About USATF Masters
USATF Masters is dedicated to lifelong competition and excellence in track and field, cross country and race walking for athletes ages 25 and older. Through national championships and year-round opportunities, USATF Masters celebrates performance, community and the pursuit of personal bests at every age.
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