Aspen Backcountry Marathon

Aspen, United States • 2 Aug 2025

The Aspen Backcountry Marathon, held in Aspen, Colorado, offers three trail running distances: a 50K, a marathon, and a heavy half-marathon. The courses run almost entirely on dirt trails through the scenic Elk Mountains, featuring challenging ascents, descents, and significant elevation gains, with peaks over 10,000 feet. The 50K includes an out-and-back segment to the McNamara Hut of the 10th Mountain Hut System. The race starts and finishes at Rio Grande Park, coinciding with the Rotary Club's Duck Derby festival, which features live music, food trucks, and family activities. Aid stations provide light refreshments, and participants must carry a CORSAR card for search and rescue support. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50 Kilometer
42 km
Marathon
21 km
Heavy Half Marathon
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Crested Butte Ultra, in Crested Butte, Colorado, features 50 Miler, 55K, and 35K formats. Runners traverse the Gunnison National Forest on single-track trails through mountain meadows and up to high ridges for wide-open vistas of wildflowers, mountain backdrops, and fall foliage. The event aims to f..

Golden Leaf Half Marathon, presented by ACG, is the bucket-list race hosted by the Ute Mountaineer and the City of Aspen. The half marathon (approximately 13.1 miles) starts at Fanny Hill in Snowmass and follows the Government Trail through scenic Aspen groves, finishing at Koch Lumber Park in downt..

Rubey Rescue Run is a 5K uphill trail race held in Aspen, Colorado. The course climbs Buttermilk Mountain, starting near the base at Buttermilk Mountain Lodge and gaining about 1,700 feet to the Cliff House, offering a timed competition and sweeping views of the Maroon Bells. Participants may run wi..

Gothic Mountain Tour takes place in Crested Butte, Colorado. It features two ski races: a 23.5-mile competitive course and a 17.85-mile recreational route around Gothic Mountain, finishing on the Crested Butte Nordic trail system at the Magic Meadows Yurt. The course begins in Crested Butte (competi..