The Aspen Backcountry Marathon is Back for Summer 2025

April 25, 2025

This year, the event is being brought to life by Aravaipa Running

Aspen, CO (April 25, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – After a one-year break, the Aspen Backcountry Marathon is officially making its comeback on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The event was a labor of love for the City of Aspen and produced directly by the City in the past. This year, the event is being brought to life by Aravaipa Running, in close collaboration with the City of Aspen and local trail runner Jeff Colt, who’s been instrumental in getting this classic mountain race back on its feet.

Jeff who helped recruit Aravaipa’s involvement says, “The Aspen Backcountry Marathon covers amazing trails with beautiful views of the Elk Mountains all during one of the valley’s most fun family friendly weekends. It’s an honor to have a small part in keeping this gem of a race alive.”

The event will return on the same courses as the last edition in 2023 featuring some of Aspen’s best trails—big climbs, high vibes, and jaw-dropping views—and adding a few new twists to keep things fresh. The classic marathon loop will be back along with the “heavy half marathon” which is closer to 25K than the traditional 13.1 miles. New will be a 50K up to McNamara hut – an idea spurred by Colt.

What’s Back?

• Classic Marathon & Courses: All distances start and finish at Rio Grande Park, taking on a tough climb up Sunnyside and descending Smuggler for a proper mountain finish.
• Festival Finish: The event is again teaming up with Aspen’s Annual Duck Derby—expect food trucks, live music, beer, games, and thousands of rubber ducks floating down the Roaring Fork River. It’s gonna be a party.

What’s New?

• A Brand New 50K: For the first time ever, runners can go beyond the marathon with a new ultra route that ventures out to the McNamara Hut, part of the legendary 10th Mountain Hut System.
• Roaring Fork Runners: We are excited to have local run club Roaring Fork Runners on board with local hype and hosting an aid station on course.
• Aravaipa Running: Now with a permanent home in Colorado Springs, Aravaipa’s Colorado division is proud to carry on the legacy of the Aspen Backcountry events this year and into the future.

Choose Your Challenge:

• 50K Ultra – Go farther, dig deeper.
• Marathon – The original, with all the grit and glory.
• Heavy Half – Not your average half. Big effort, big views.

We’re beyond excited to bring this one back—and to be doing it the Aravaipa way, with help from the Aspen community and the Roaring Fork Runners, who will be out on course making the magic happen.

Registration is officially open, and spots are limited. Whether you’re racing for the podium or the post-run party, we hope you’ll join us for a big day in the backcountry. Aravaipa is actively seeking aid station captains, event sponsors and community partners. Please reach out to info@aravaiparunning.com if interested.

Race Day: August 2, 2025
Sign Up: aravaiparunning.com/colorado/aspen-backcountry
Follow the stoke: @aspenbackcountry