Local Running Coach and Air Force Veteran Joe Tassone to be honored with 5K Race

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Registration is open for the inaugural JT 5000, a 5K race to celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Tassone, a retired Air Force E9 Master Sergeant and local running coach.

The event is Sunday, Aug.16, 2026 at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Drive NE, where runners will celebrate Tassone’s lifelong commitment to fitness, mentorship and service.

Tassone, who died on Aug. 20, 2025, trained and mentored hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities throughout his coaching career inspiring countless athletes to run marathons.

“Joe was just a terrific guy,” said Jeff Peters, long time co-coach and friend. “We coached runners together for well over a decade, helping people stay healthy and reach their goals. After he passed last August, my intent was to establish an annual military-themed run in his honor to ensure his incredible legacy of mentoring and inspiring our community continues.”

Participation in the JT 5000 supports the mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Reflecting Tassone’s 25-plus years of military service, the event proudly partnered with the foundation, which honors first responders and military heroes while carrying forward their legacy of service and sacrifice.

The JT 5000 features different race options for runners of all skill levels:

• 7 a.m. Aim High Mile Race, $25 registration
• 8 a.m. Team Red, White and Blue 5K, $35 registration
• One Medal® Combo 5K & 1 Mile, $45 registration
• 7:30 a.m. Kids K, $15 registration

For the One Medal® Combo 5K & 1 Mile, participants must run the Aim High Mile Race and the Team Red, White and Blue 5K. Times from both events will be combined and the top overall female and male finishers will receive a “winner-take-all” prize of $400.

For more information, visit the JT 5000 event page.

About JT 5000

The JT 5000 honors the legacy of Joe Tassone—a retired Air Force E-9 Master Sergeant and beloved local running coach who dedicated nearly two decades to mentoring and inspiring runners throughout the community.

About One Medal®

One Medal® is a program that promotes the gift of encouragement and empowerment for people who are going through what appears to be insurmountable adversity. Every athlete has one race and One Medal® to give for someone. Who are you running for?