The Duke City Marathon course starts at Mayor Kinney Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. Harry Kinney was Albuquerque's mayor in 1984, and officially started the first Duke City Marathon together with the 15th Duke of Alburquerque (the original Spanish spelling), who traveled from Madrid, Spain, to be on hand for the inaugural event.

Since 1984, the Duke City Marathon has grown to hosting seven races: Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 10K Walk, 5K Run and a 5K Walk - something for everyone!