Events
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://aspenspecialevents.com/backcountry-marathon/.
Place
Aspen, CO US 81611
Description
Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, The Aspen Backcountry offers 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 bragging about for years.
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.
Each year the race route changes direction. The 2023 route will be heading in the clockwise direction, up Sunnyside and down Smuggler. Both races start and end in Rio Grande Park. This is a running race and cut off times are enforced. This is a cupless course please bring your own cup or water bottle. No refunds or exchanges or deferment allowed.
Racer Guide
Packet Pick-up
Friday, August 4th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Rio Grande Park
Saturday, August 5th from 5:30am to 1 hour prior to race start at Rio Grande Park
Please note that you are required to obtain a CORSAR card for the day of the event. Racers must present their Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card upon packet pick up. If you possess a Colorado hunting or fishing license it acts as the same. You can purchase a card online at http://dola.colorado.gov/sar/cardPurchase.jsf
Marathon Course map
For elevation and specs click on link here
Half Marathon Course map
For elevation and specs click on link here
Course Support & Cut off Times
Please note that if you approach an aid station after the cut off time, your race bib will be removed by the course sweep and you will be directed to walk to a location to receive a ride back to the start/finish line.
Full Marathon 2023 Start @ 6:30am
Mile Location Time
2.7 Stein Park 7:30am
11 4 Corners 10:00am
14.5 Top of Lower Plunge 11:25am
18.2 Hunter Creek Senior Lot 12:35pm
23.4 Smuggler Mtn. Road 1:25pm
26.2(ish) FINISH
Heavy Half Marathon 2023 Start @ 7:30am
Mile Location Time
2.2 Stein Park 8:20am
9.2 Top of Lower Plunge 10:50am
11.8 Smuggler Mtn. Road 12:15pm
14(ish) FINISH
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
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