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Event Date:

Saturday, August 07, 2021

End Location:

Rio Grande Park

Registration Opens April 19th

April 19th

Presented By:

Aspen Parks & Recreation

2019 Race Results Click Here

2018 Race Results are in, click here.

BACKCOUNTRY MARATHON | SATURDAY, AUGUST 07, 2021 Aspen's most scenic running race...not to be missed.

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

Race Details

-Start Time: 6:30am (Full Marathon)  mass start 7:30 am (Heavy Half) mass start


-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.


-Results & Awards: Results will by age group, gender and overall.

Registration / Bibs

-Participation Limit: 250 per race

-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.

EVENT LINKS

Registration Info

Details to follow
Full Marathon $70 ($80 after July 1st)

  • Registration Opens April 19th

Heavy 1/2 Marathon (14.6m) $60 ($70 after July 1st)

  • Registration Opens April 19th 

AWARDS

Cash Purse and Prize distribution is TBD for 2021.

The Aspen Backcountry Marathon and Half Marathon will be CUPLESS COURSES!  We recommend that participants use their own hydration system on this backcountry course. 

SPONSORS A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors

Helpful Links

Race Day Info
Training Tips
Event Lodging
Air Quality
Additional Air Quality Sources

FAQ's Commonly Asked Questions.

Here are the overall results Aspen Backcountry Marathon Results by Age Group  

Keep the environment in mind as you start your training and on race-day, and we together will abide by the Leave No Trace outdoor ethics to help maintain the pristine conditions of our backcountry and forests. A No Cup policy on the race course is in place, so there will be no paper cups at the aid stations, so please carry your own reusable cup or use your own hydration system that can be refilled at the aid stations. 

The Backcountry Marathon was a huge success. We had over 301 participants and you an view the running results below. 2016 Results
The course has changed over the years, additionally we will also reverse the race direction on alternating years to keep it interesting!

The race committee is happy to share that the courses are both now almost entirely on single track and dirt trails.

Please note that Pitkin County requires that all participants obtain a valid CORSAR card for the day of the event. These are available at the Ute Mountaineer and the Tenth Mountain Hut Association. Save yourself some time and purchase online. Click here to purchase online. Cost: $3.00 for a one year card; $12.00 for five years

Yes, if you are local you can join the training group, sponsored by Aspen Alpine, additionally for those not local sign up to be part of the mail list on training for high altitude and more great tips. More info: marathontraining@aspenalpine.com | (970) 925-6618

This year the Cash Purse for the marathon totals $2400. Marathon: 1st place Male and Female = $600 2nd place Male and Female = $400 3rd place Male and Female = $200

Prizes for top finishers are equal for Male and Female racers as well as the King of the Mountain. Thank you to our sponsor Adidas for these great prize donation.