Aspen Backcountry Marathon

Registration is open Click here 

Full Marathon Start 6:30am Aspen Pedestrian Mall $70 ($80 after July 1st)

Half Marathon Start 7:30am Rio Grande Park $60 ($70 after July 1st)

Sponsored by The City of Aspen

Updated March 2021——precautions may be updated closer to the event

COVID Safety Precautions – PLEASE READ
In order to ensure a safe race and the continuation of the series, the following must be adhered to:

1. Social Distancing
-Please do NOT invite spectators to the event – unfortunately we need to limit the number of people at the venue.
-Interval Starts: Interval/wave starts will be assigned according to your bib number. You should be prepared to enter the start area when your number is called. Please do not move up to the next position until the person in front of you has done so. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the racer in front of you.
-Before & After Race: Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and other persons unless that person is a member of your household. We ask that you clear the race finish area when you complete your race.

2. Mask Wearing
-Face coverings – should be double layer masks or double layer “buff” like garment.
-When – Masks should be worn at all times until 1 min prior to your race start time. You must put your mask on after you finish the race and stay well away from other people until you do so.
-Where – Masks should be worn at all times in the City of Aspen, Rio Grande park and at the start and finish of the race.– unless it is during your race.

3. Sick Racers – any racers who are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms should not attend the race.

4.  Traveler Responsibility Code
   • Any traveler spending ONE or more nights in Pitkin County that does not meet any exemptions (as outlined in the exemption section below).
     • This applies to ALL visits to Pitkin County if they are 10 days or more apart.
     • This includes all residents, full or part-time, and second homeowners.
     • This does not apply to those visiting Pitkin County for the day.

The Traveler Responsibility Code simply asks travelers to acknowledge CDC’s travel recommendations and local requirements that includes:

• Current public health orders, including wearing a mask in public
• Limit personal gatherings to no more than 10 individuals from 2 households
• If exposed to COVID-19, quarantine even if it prolongs your stay
• Self-isolate and get tested if experiencing symptoms
• Wash hands often
• Social distance
• Follow CDC travel guidance

CDC guidance suggests testing can improve traveler safety. You may feel well and not have any symptoms while traveling, but you can still spread COVID-19 to others, including to other family, friends, and the community. CDC recommends getting tested 1-3 days before your trip and to reduce non-essential activities for a full 7 days after your travel. Read more.

Pitkin County has made progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our businesses and ski areas open. Our entire community, our residents and our guests have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible and our community open. All travelers should follow CDC guidance and seek testing prior to traveling.  Travel Responsibility code Click Here

Race Details

-Start Time: 6:30am (Full Marathon)  with 30 second intervals 10 racers at a time 7:30 am (Heavy Half) with 30 second intervals, 10 racers at a time

-Self Supported Race: This race requires you to be self-supported due to COVID-19 safety concerns. There will be: limited aid stations, no gear shuttle, and limited finish line recovery food or drink. You are required to bring your own food, hydration, clothes and equipment to provide for your own safety in summer conditions and travel.
-Bathrooms: A Porta Potty will be available at the start and at the finish. Please do not linger in the facilities as other may need to use them also.
-Wave Starts: To accommodate social distancing, there will be intervals wave starts to start the race. Each wave will be at 30 second intervals. Participants will receive a start list (via email) prior to the race letting them know which their wave (1-15), start line (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J) and start time. The wave starts will also be posted on this website and at the start of the race. There will also be volunteers at the start of the race to help you with your race start position. You will be emailed a start list on the Thursday night before the race and one will be posted on this website.

-Spectators: Spectators are not allowed at the event
-Results & Awards: Results will by age group, gender and overall.

Registration / Bibs

-Participation Limit: 175 per race

(this may increase closer to the event date if COVID restrictions in Pitkin County allow)

-Bib/Timing Chip Pick-up: TBD

Please make sure your bib is visible at the finish and start.

Click Here  To Check out the Short Mini Film from Tom Evans on the Western States “Zero to 100”

Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, offering two options, a full or heavy half-marathon, both run almost exclusively on dirt trails. The diversity of terrain, challenging ascents & descents and overall elevation gain will challenge even the most well-trained athletes. With spectacular views of the Elk Mountains above and the city of Aspen below, this is one race you’ll be sure to remember!

This race will be a limited support race. There will be aid stations, portable toilets at the start/finish, volunteer crews, and timers.  There is volunteer medical personnel along the course and at aid stations, but there is no guarantee of rescue or medical attention. Each participant is ultimately responsible for their own rescue and preparation for course and weather conditions.