Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, The Aspen Backcountry offers three options, 50K, Marathon or heavy half-marathon, all of which are 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 bragging about for years.

This race will be a limited support race. There will be remote aid stations and course marking for each race distance. We highly recommend having the official GPX track of your race on a personal device for reference while on course.
Portable toilets and a medical team will be at the start/finish. 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.

Each year the race route changes direction.  The 2025 route will be heading in the clockwise direction, up Sunnyside and down Smuggler.  Both races start and end in Rio Grande Park.

Parking in the City of Aspen can be challenging in the busy summer season. We highly suggest carpooling if possible.

You can also take advantage of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) which is a bus transit that will bring you from the Rifle area off the I-70 all the way to Aspen for the race. Fares are required.

For other options on transportation to the Aspen area head here: City of Aspen Transportation Options
There is a parking garage near the Rio Grande Park, named the Rio Grande Parking which is a fee based parking option. For additional parking options in town head here: City of Aspen Parking Options

Please help reduce traffic in the City of Aspen and ease parking by carpooling, thank you!

Drop bags will be allowed at the start/finish line for when you finish.

Awards
All finishers completing their registered course will receive a commemorative award recognizing their accomplishment.

Podium awards will be given for
• Top 3 male and female finishers in each distance

Aravaipa will host the Aspen Backcountry Marathons in the same park as the annual fundraising event by the Rotary Club named the Duck Derby. This will include live music, food trucks, beverages, etc. Stick around and spend the day in Aspen!

Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, The Aspen Backcountry offers three options, 50K, Marathon or heavy half-marathon, all of which are 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 bragging about for years. With the race beginning at 7,900 feet in elevation and peaking out at over 10,100 feet this should be considered a high alpine trail running event.

This race will be a limited support race. There will be remote aid stations and course marking for each race distance. We highly recommend having the official GPX track of your race on a personal device for reference while on course.
Portable toilets and a medical team will be at the start/finish. 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.

Each year the race route changes direction.  The 2025 route will be heading in the clockwise direction, up Sunnyside and down Smuggler.  Both races start and end in Rio Grande Park.

Stick around to experience the infamous Duck Derby Festival at the Rio Grande Park!

Parking in the City of Aspen can be challenging in the busy summer season. We highly suggest carpooling if possible. 

You can also take advantage of the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) which is a bus transit that will bring you from the Rifle area off the I-70 all the way to Aspen for the race. Fares are required. 

For other options on transportation to the Aspen area head here: City of Aspen Transportation Options
There is a parking garage near the Rio Grande Park, named the Rio Grande Parking which is a fee based parking option. For additional parking options in town head here: City of Aspen Parking Options

Please help reduce traffic in the City of Aspen and ease parking by carpooling, thank you!

No pacers or crews are allowed on course. Crews are welcome to hang out at the start / finish village to cheer on runners and enjoy the Duck Derby in the same park.

Awards
All finishers completing their registered course will receive a commemorative award recognizing their accomplishment.

Podium awards will be given for
• Top 3 male and female finishers in each distance

Aravaipa will host the Aspen Backcountry Marathons in the same park as the annual fundraising event by the Rotary Club named the Duck Derby. This will include live music, food trucks, beverages, etc. Stick around and spend the day in Aspen!