Aspen Backcountry Marathon
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About the race
The Aspen Backcountry is a trail race in Aspen, Colorado, centered at Rio Grande Park with three distance options that run almost exclusively on dirt trails. The courses travel on local singletrack and service roads, include sustained ascents and descents, and reach alpine elevations above 10,000 feet.
Distances offered:
- 50K - 30.39 miles
- Marathon - 26.35 miles
- Heavy Half-Marathon - 14.64 miles
Key course details vary by distance but include significant total elevation gain (for example, the 50K lists 5,512 feet). The event is a limited-support race with remote aid stations and course marking; light aid (water and an electrolyte drink) is available at some stations and certain locations list no aid. Portable toilets and a medical team are present at the start/finish area, and volunteer medical personnel are stationed along the course, though participants are ultimately responsible for their own rescue and preparation. Organizers recommend carrying the official GPX track on a personal device.
Logistics note: packet pickup at Rio Grande Park requires a valid CORSAR card. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. The race shares the park with a same-day community festival, which includes live music, food trucks, booths and other family activities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
