Aspen Backcountry Marathon
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Aspen Backcountry, Aspen, Colorado
The Aspen Backcountry is a trail running event held on August 1, 2026 in Aspen, Colorado. The event offers three distances:
- 50K
- Marathon
- **Heavy Half Marathon
Courses run almost exclusively on dirt trails around Aspen. Each distance includes substantial elevation gain and a high maximum elevation point, with published course statistics for distance, total elevation gain, and maximum elevation. The event uses remote aid stations and course marking and is presented as limited support; participants are advised to carry the official GPX track on a personal device for navigation.
Portable toilets and a medical team will be available at the start and finish area. Volunteer medical personnel will staff aid stations and sections of the course, but there is no guarantee of rescue or on course medical attention. All participants must obtain and present a valid CORSAR card at packet pickup; a Colorado hunting or fishing license serves the same purpose. Drop bags are allowed at the start and finish.
Parking in Aspen can be limited in summer, and a nearby fee based parking garage serves the start area. The race shares Rio Grande Park with the Duck Derby fundraising event, which includes live music, food trucks, youth booths, bouncy houses, beverage sales 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.
