University of New Mexico runners have the luxury of competing in one of the top cross country environments in the nation. Located 5,085 feet above sea level in the heart of Lobo country, the UNM North Golf Course has been the home of Lobo cross country since the 2000 season.

Over past 15 years, Albuquerque has been re-established as one of the premier cross country running locations in America. Blessed with excellent weather throughout much of the fall, the Duke City has been the site of two Mountain West Conference Cross Country Championships, four NCAA Mountain Region Championships, and one the biggest cross country meet in the nation each year, the annual Lobo Invitational.

Each year, thousands of vocal and knowledgeable distance-running enthusiasts pack the North Golf Course to see their Lobos compete against some of the finest teams in the region and the country. The spectator-friendly course winds its way over gentle grassy slopes, around majestic trees and through the cheering crowd several times, giving athletes a tremendous boost. And with its ideal location, less than a mile from the main campus, many UNM runners can simply jog home after competition.

Starting in 2007, the UNM North Course provided another benefit to Lobo cross country runners. Head coach Joe Franklin secured the course for weekly team training sessions, giving New Mexico athletes exclusive access to the pristine training location.

With one of the premiere running facilities for cross country, combined with Albuquerque’s altitude and weather, it’s not surprising to know that UNM cross country, both the men and women’s program, are ranked among the top 10 nearly every season under Joe Franklin.

Built in 1942, the nine-hole UNM North Golf Course is a picturesque urban oasis that has been called “Albuquerque’s Central Park.”

Directions

From I-25:Take Lomas exit and head east on Lomas Blvd., towards the mountains. Turn left on Yale Blvd. and continue north before turning right on Tucker Rd. The golf course clubhouse and parking lot will be on the left.

From I-40:Exit I-25 south then take Lomas exit and head east, towards the mountains, on Lomas Blvd. Turn left on Yale Blvd. and continue north before turning right on Tucker Rd. The golf course clubhouse and parking lot will be on the left.