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☰
Aspen Valley Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Aspen Valley Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 3.8 
Spectators 2.6
Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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C. B. from CO
(7/19/2015)
 "Nice course, well organized, but finish lacking" (about: 2015)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall, I would definitely recommend this marathon. The course was very scenic, well supported, and they took very good care of us on all of the road crossings. But you might not want to do this if you are a slower runner, because there was no food, or towels, or anything else left at the finish when I came in. But the medal was gorgeous, a silver aspen leaf - it's one of the prettiest medal's I have every received! | |
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C. M. from Yardley, PA
(7/19/2015)
 "Most Stunning Marathon Course..." (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the Aspen Valley Marathon and could not have been more pleased. This is a really small race with zero spectators (which is fine by me). The course is absolutely stunning. It is by far, the best course I have run with such beautiful scenery. The water stations were great. The volunteers were great. I live/train at sea level. This altitude kicked my butt. I had a really hard time with breathing, so I took it slow. This is really the race to run in Colorado if you're doing all 50. Good organization. Great race. | |
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t. t. from grand junction, co
(7/30/2014)
"Nothing new from last year" (about: 2014)
2 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is gorgeous. Course support is generous. I was disappointed to receive the same shirt design as last year just in a different color. the medals were the same as last year also and the same size whether you run the half or the full. Also disappointed that as a late finisher there were no photos crossing the finish line and there were at least 20 people behind me and no photos along the way. So I felt it was better in that regard last year. Salads last year were fabulous so i would definitely rate last year better But at least I finished a full marathon this year. | |
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K. M. from NH
(12/29/2013)
 "BE CAREFUL" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I ran this race in 2013 and had registered for an earlier date. Unbelievably, after I had purchased plane tickets, they changed the date! I lost the tickets (nonrefundable and the travel insurance did not cover it). The course was truly beautiful but the water stops were not well spaced. This lack of organization is truly inexcusable. While my entry was refunded it did not save the plane tickets... Apprently, they did not have the date cleared with the City of Aspen when it was first advertised. | |
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C. B. from Littleton, CO
(9/5/2013)
 "First 22 miles is incredible!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I signed up for this race because I live in Colorado and it fit in my schedule. Pro's: Smaller race, beautiful course for the first 22 miles. Good organization and communication about the race. I would highly recommend this race to anybody wanting to do a summer marathon because the altitude is not that bad. Con's: The last 4 miles was on blacktop that was a turnaround and it got a bit warm. Trying to find the library to pick up my packet the day before was not fun because Aspen's street numbering system is bizarre. | |
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S. K. from CAlifornia
(7/23/2013)
"Improved from previous comments." (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A mercifully downhill race along a community bike paththe course is really pretty, plenty of streams, mountains, etc, and the drop in altitude really helps take the edge off. The bike path was had minimal traffic and was quite pretty. If you can, get there a day or two early to adjust to the altitude. The race struck me as really well organized...the course was well marked, water stations well stocked, and the transportation was easy. I think the race organizers did a superb job. The finish line festival was small but still had live music, beer, made to order salads, and free massages. For the size of the race, I think the organizers really put a lot into it. | |
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T. K. from Cincinnati, OH
(7/23/2013)
"One of my favorite marathons!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The runner's comments of 2012 had me concerned so I emailed Sean, the Race Director, before the race. He claimed that the comments were either wrong or had all been corrected. He was SO right! Although my finish time was slow, this turned out to be one of my most favortie marathons of the 35 I have run. Positives: 1) Packet pick-up was a breeze - would have took seconds except I stayed and chatted with the friendly volunteers 2) No Start Line hassles - my wife drove me to withing 50 feet of the Start Line!, uncrowded flush toilets, easy bag drop off 3) THE COURSE IS BEAUTIFUL - on the Rio Grande Trail almost all of it follows the Roaring Fork River, starts in shaded pine and aspen groves; then traverses over open mesas affording views of the hills and mountains of Aspen valley, dropping about 1400 feet into the small welcoming town of Basalt. The trail is mostly paved with some hard-pack dirt/gravel (ideal, soft running surface). There are mountains and hills to gaze at, pine forests to smell, and rapids and waterfalls to hear. Simply beautiful. 4) The volunteers - very friendly 5) The finisher's medal - it's great. Not the biggest but maybe the most elegant. A silver medal Aspen leaf with the words 'Aspen Valley Marathon' imprinted on it. Just perfect! 6) The Finish Line - although I was in no shape to partake, the amenities of a glass of champagne and the salad bar as well as beer on tap were a very nice touch. Negatives - I really can't think of any. If forced to name some: 1) Lack of spectators - but this allows you to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings even more! 2) Lack of expo - I didn't miss it! 3) Altitude may have an effect on sea-level dwellers. This marathon is probably one of the best if not the best that I have run. I highly recommend it. | |
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P. B. from Colorado
(7/22/2013)
"Awesome organization, beautiful course, great supp" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the most beautiful marathon that I've done. Race director (Annie) did an awesome job! Plenty of food and drink at each of the 13 or so stops. Phenomenal after party with healthy and delicious food and great local brewskis. I had a minor medical problem at the end and Annie (the race director) noticed it, got me help and even drove 1.5 miles from the finish (despite the fact that she was busy with race details) to pick up a pair of compression socks for me! I'd strongly recommend this race to anyone. | |
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J. M. from Colorado
(12/5/2012)
"Fun Run but very disorganized race directors" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 It's a wonderful area, but much better races in the area. Very disappointing b/c organization did nothing to create a unique experience. Course runs the bike path between Aspen and Basalt. My recommendation would be to visit the area and run the bike path on your own (only one way out/back so simple). Seriously, choose another race that actually organizes a special course. The race directors needs some serious help. Small window of time and disorganized volunteers for packet pick up made for a stressful night before the race (long lines, 2-3 volunteers putting packets together as people approached the table). Bring your own water b/c aid stations were ridiculous and not where they were initially mapped (or in the ridiculous spreadsheet they sent out to the participants late the night before the race with the aid station details). Also, results are inaccurate - race timing company placed many slow 1/2 marathoners in with the full marathoner results (including the top overall places). Awards were cheap party store ribbons similar to kid's pie eating contest or dog show ribbons. What a shame. | |
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j. h. from New Jersey
(8/5/2012)
"Great Course!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Aspen Valley Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 My favorite course by far out of 40+ marathons located in a mountainous paradise. Unfortunately, the thin air has adversely impacted the organizers' sequential thinking. Packet pickup was in 2 places on 2 different days - the Friday pickup consumed one hour and was located 30 miles away from the race start - huh? Logistics - the website conflicted with emails which conflicted with paperwork at Ute Mountaineer - a packet pickup location - huh? Perhaps the r.d. should plan the event from sea level. Rocky mountain high! |
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