Aspen Valley Marathon

The Aspen Valley Marathon is a high-altitude, high-reward race known for its beauty and speed. Held in Colorado’s iconic Rocky Mountains, this Boston Marathon qualifier features a fast, net downhill course that descends 1,418 feet (432 meters) from start to finish. Runners follow the historic Rio Grande Trail—80% paved, 20% hard-packed dirt—along the Roaring Fork River through alpine forests and wide valley views. The event offers three distances: marathon, half-marathon, and 5K, all finishing in the mountain town of Basalt. Post-race festivities include live music, champagne, and locally sourced food, creating a festive mountain-town atmosphere. With a reputation as one of the top 50 fastest marathons in North America, this is a prime pick for runners chasing a personal best in a breathtaking setting.