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Saturday - August 1, 2026

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2025 Photo Gallery

Aspen Backcountry

50K | Marathon | Heavy Half-Marathon

Aspen, CO

Utilizing the beautiful trails that surround Aspen, and now offering three distances - 50K, marathon and heavy half-marathon, all of which run almost exclusively on dirt trails. In 2025, Aravaipa is introduced an ultra distance that follows the marathon course and includes an out and back to the McNamara Hut which is part of the 10th Mountain Hut System.

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!

The start / finish returns to Rio Grande Park and will be hosted on the same day as the Duck Derby, a fundraising event by the Rotary Club which drops thousands of rubber ducks into the river at 1:30pm. The family friendly event includes a a full day of live music, youth group booths offering games and activities, bouncy houses, food trucks, soft drinks and beer, merchandise sales and a silent auction.

So come to race the beautiful Aspen trails and stick around for a full festival in the park!

*Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting.

Start Times

Saturday, August 1
Civil Twilight - 5:39 am
Sunrise - 6:08 am

50K - 6:00 am
Marathon  - 7:30 am
Half Marathon - 8:00 am

Bib Pickup

Friday, July 31
Rio Grande Park,
CORSAR Card Required to grab bib
4:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, August 1st
CORSAR Card Required to grab bib
5:00 am - 8:00 am

Volunteer

We need help to make Aspen Backcountry possible. Volunteer perks include Aravaipa race credits, race tee and food/drink at the finish line festival!
Volunteer Now

CORSAR CARD

Pitkin County requires that all participants obtain a valid CORSAR card for the day of the event. Racers must
present their CORSAR card at packet pick up. If you possess a Colorado hunting or fishing license it acts as the same.
You can purchase a card online HERE.

Live Tracking

Follow the 2026 Aspen Backcountry with live split points throughout race weekend.
Aravaipa Live
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Registration closes: Mon, July 27 @ 11:59PM MT
Register Now

Race Registration

Until 1/31 Until 5/31 Until 7/27 Race Day
50K $140 $155 $170 $185
Marathon $130 $145 $160 $175
Heavy Half Marathon $80 $90 $100 $110

*Prices do not include taxes and Ultrasignup fees. Race Goodie is NOT GUARANTEED after July 12, 2026.
Withdrawal Policy

Course Information

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Key Stats
Date | Saturday, August 1, 2026

Start Time | 6:00 am

Time Limit | 10 hours (4:00 pm)

Distance | 30.39 Miles

Total Elevation Gain | 5,512 feet

Max Elevation | 10,385 feet

Women's Course Record | 4:55:19 - Mary Baughman (2025)

Men's Course Record | 4:30:19 - Kevin Carson (2025)

Course Map
Caltopo Course  Map

50K Event Details

INTO THE ASPEN BACKCOUNTRY | 2025 Full FIlm | Aravaipa Originals

Results & Photos

Proud Sponsors

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