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.

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!

Aspen is a great city so it was nice to find an excuse to visit and run the marathon. The race was nice and small though the organization could use some work. The web site is lacking in detail and the communication from the RD was at times incorrect (incorrect water station details, start times etc). This is clearly a volunteer effort so I'm hesitant to have very high expectations but it is almost three weeks after the race and pictures still haven't been distributed and emails aren't being returned.

Also, some of the race literature lists this as a trail marathon. While some of the run is on a trail, much of the run is on a running/bike path along with roads. If you're expecting a technical trail run, look elsewhere.

The course was great. Guess there was a fair overall descent but for someone from sea level I could really feel those few small hills sprinkled throughout the first twenty miles and then the long incline (albeit not steep) just past mile 21 I believe it was. Packet pickup was a bit slow - had to stand for 45 minutes to get our bib and chip. Being from out of state I wasn't exactly sure where the bus pickup location was, I found the online directions a bit confusing. There weren't many spectators but the water station volunteers (especially Elvis) were fantastic with their support and encouragement - thank you so much! Finish line was well run and the salad at the end was fantastic! Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend this one - the state of Colorado is now in the books for us!!

This was one of my all-time favorite marathons. It rivaled Big Sur in its beauty. The course is along the Rio Grande trail from Aspen to Basalt, and follows a river through the Aspen Valley. The surface is finely crushed stone or asphalt, both are smooth and comfortable. Weather was perfect. Temps in the low 60's, with a thin overcast that let the sunshine in just in time for the post-race party. The 7-8000 foot altitude wasn't that bad. I think the fact that the course drops about 1400 feet almost makes up for the high altitude. Almost. I'd guess the thin air added about 5 minutes to my overall time. The post race party was great. Free beers from the Aspen Brewing Company really hit the spot. And custom-made fresh salads! Very nice touch.
I would highly recommend the Mountain House Lodge as a place to stay. It was only 5 blocks from the start line, and Brian, our host, was incredibly accomodating.
This is a great little marathon.

Course:
Nice flat bike trail with scenic river/mt views.

Organization:
I experienced some personal disconnects:
- prior racers got a $15 discount. (No check yet despite numerous emails and many months of waiting.)
- no notice of packet pick-up info on the web site. (Turns out they only emailed those who registered online - no notice if you mailed it in.)
- After finishing, they tracked me down to ask me my name and age since it wasn't in their system (huh?)
- No t-shirts with packet - 'They will be at the finish.' They had me wait around while they went to look for them. They finally said they didn't have any but asked me to 'Write down my name/address/size and they'd mail it to me.' (I'm not optimistic.)

I don't mean to sound negative - the energetic and nice organizers seem are doing their best to put on a good race . . . I just experienced a little learning curve in-progress during yr #2.

Great aid stations on a well-marked course.



Spectators:

Essentially zero spectators other than the aid stations - but, not unexpected since it is along a remote bike trail with no populated areas. If you really need spectators - this isn't your race.