Aspen Backcountry Marathon
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Event overview
The Aspen Backcountry is a trail race held Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Rio Grande Park, Aspen, Colorado. The event offers three distances: a 50K, a marathon and a heavy half-marathon. Courses run almost exclusively on dirt trails and use trails that surround Aspen. The 50K follows the marathon course and includes an out-and-back to the McNamara Hut on the 10th Mountain Hut System. The race is hosted on the same day as the Rotary Club Duck Derby festival in Rio Grande Park.
Course and logistics
- 50K - 30.39 miles; 5,512 ft total gain; max elev 10,385 ft; 10 hour time limit.
- Marathon - 26.35 miles; 4,764 ft total gain; max elev 10,090 ft; 8.5 hour time limit.
- Heavy Half-Marathon - 14.64 miles; 3,169 ft total gain; max elev 10,090 ft; 8 hour time limit.
The races are limited-support with remote aid stations and course marking. Portable toilets and a medical team are at the start/finish; volunteer medical personnel may be available on course but rescue or medical response is not guaranteed. Participants are advised to carry the official GPX track on a personal device. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. Parking in Aspen can be limited; carpooling is suggested and local bus transit (RFTA) serves the area. Finish-line activities on race day include live music, food trucks, youth booths, bouncy houses, beverages, merchandise and a silent auction. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
