Aspen Backcountry Marathon
Aspen, United States • 1 Aug 2026
Aspen Backcountry : Aspen, CO (August 1, 2026)
The Aspen Backcountry is a trail running event held in Aspen, Colorado, with start and finish at Rio Grande Park. The event is offered in three distances and takes place alongside the Duck Derby fundraising festival in the park, which includes live music, food trucks, youth booths, bouncy houses, beverages and a silent auction.
- 50K : approx. 30.39 miles
- Marathon : approx. 26.35 miles
- Heavy Half-Marathon : approx. 14.64 miles
Course and logistics
All courses run almost exclusively on dirt trails around Aspen. The races feature significant elevation gain and high-alpine sections; key statistics include total elevation gain of about 5,512 feet for the 50K, 4,764 feet for the marathon, and 3,169 feet for the half, with maximum elevations above 10,000 feet. The 50K follows the marathon course with an additional out-and-back to the McNamara Hut.
The race is limited-support with remote aid stations and course markings. Light aid offerings at some stations include water, an electrolyte drink (Tailwind), bananas and oranges. Portable toilets and a medical team are provided at the start/finish; volunteer medical personnel are present on course but rescue or medical attention is not guaranteed. Participants must present a valid Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card at packet pickup. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. Registration is limited and prices vary by date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.