Aspen Backcountry Marathon
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Aspen Backcountry - Aspen, Colorado
Aspen Backcountry is a trail race day in Rio Grande Park, Aspen, Colorado on July 31, 2027. The event offers three distances that run almost exclusively on dirt trails and traverse alpine terrain with substantial elevation change.
- 50K (approximately 30.39 miles)
- Marathon (approximately 26.35 miles)
- Heavy Half-Marathon (approximately 14.64 miles)
Courses feature varied terrain with sustained ascents and descents and high alpine sections. Key course statistics include total elevation gain around 5,512 feet for the 50K, 4,764 feet for the marathon, and 3,169 feet for the half-marathon, with maximum elevations above 10,000 feet on several courses. The 50K is routed partly as an out-and-back to the McNamara Hut.
Support is limited with remote aid stations, course marking, and portable toilets and a medical team at the start/finish. Participants are advised to carry the official GPX track on a personal device. Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish. All participants must present a valid CORSAR card for race day; a Colorado hunting or fishing license also fulfills this requirement.
All finishers who complete their registered course receive a commemorative award; podium awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. Live split tracking is provided during race weekend. The race shares the park with the Rotary Club Duck Derby festival, which includes live music, food vendors, booths and a silent auction. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
