Aspen Backcountry Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Aspen Backcountry, Aspen, Colorado : July 31, 2027
Aspen Backcountry is a trail race event offering three distances that run almost exclusively on dirt trails around Aspen, Colorado. The courses include significant elevation gain and mixed terrain with sustained ascents and descents, and provide views of the Elk Mountains and the city of Aspen below.
The event runs with limited on-course support. Remote aid stations are provided; some stations offer light aid only (water and an electrolyte drink). Runners are advised to carry the official GPX track for navigation. Portable toilets and a medical team are available at the start and finish; volunteer medical personnel are positioned along the course but rescue or medical attention is not guaranteed. Participants must obtain a valid CORSAR card for packet pickup; a Colorado hunting or fishing license also satisfies this requirement.
Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. Parking in Aspen is limited during summer; carpooling and public transit options such as the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus are suggested. The start and finish are at Rio Grande Park, which hosts the Duck Derby festival the same day, featuring live music, food trucks, youth booths, bouncy houses and a silent auction. All finishers receive a commemorative award and podium awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- 50K - 30.39 miles, 5,512 ft total gain, max elevation 10,385 ft
- Marathon - 26.35 miles, 4,764 ft total gain, max elevation 10,090 ft
- Heavy Half Marathon - 14.64 miles, 3,169 ft total gain, max elevation 10,090 ft
