Aspen Valley Marathon - Race Reviews

The Aspen Valley Marathon was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the stunning course to the organization, every aspect of the marathon left a lasting impression. The finish line after-party was a highlight, with a DJ and champagne creating a fun atmosphere. I'm already looking forward to next year's race!

We did the race in October, which is a change from their normal race due to covid. The weather was perfect- 20' s at the start and 50' s at finish. I really enjoyed the race- it was flat on the Rio Grande trail. Of course it had the Colorado elevation, but it didn't bother me much (even being from Wisconsin). The course does drop in elevation from 8000 feet to 6500 feet approximately. Aspen is a beautiful area with a lot of things to see. We stayed at the Aspen chalet. I highly recommend it. It was very reasonable and included a hot breakfast item every day along with continental breakfast. The race is small and spectators are sparse but the ones cheering are amazing. I am so happy I chose this as my Colorado race. A great weekend with friends and a marathon, what else could be better! Don't miss the hot springs in Glenwood. A great way to recover after the race on the way out of Aspen.

Hot after mile 10 with very little shade. The finish is a little weak, lots of roads in farm areas with cars sharing the road with runners. I would have preferred to do more running at the beautiful setting near Aspen and have a clean finish in Basalt like the 1/2 marathon runners get instead of having the big hilly loop at the end; I think the course could use some work. There are essentially no spectators, which is a little strange at the end on the road, but makes more sense at altitude on the trail. Race is well run and organized aside from the frustrating route.

I ran the race on July 15th. The scenery was pretty amazing. However it was pretty lonely out there and I certainly thought that I was the only one out there or lost sometimes. The weather was great, but after about mile 7, you are in direct sunlight for the rest of the race and it got pretty hot out there. I am from the flatlands and not used to high elevation. I had already dreaded Colorado because of this. (I'm a Fifty State Marathon Club Member). If you like crowd support, this race isn't for you.

I ran this course last Saturday and enjoyed it overall. I felt there was plenty of great scenery, the course was pretty easy, mostly downhill, the weather was spot on. Aid stations were more than adequate. Spectators were few, but the course is designed to be in the country, not easily accessible. Similar to other downhill races along bike trails, like Light at End of the Tunnel, there was bicycle traffic. Most of it was the volunteers checking on us. My Garmin recorded 26.09. I don't know if that's due to a short course or bad GPS coverage. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would do it again!

I disagree with one of the commenters about this race being unsafe due to bikers and traffic. While there where some bikes on the Rio Grande trail they were never an issue for me. I may have passed 5 bikes total but they were always courteous when passing. The road crossings were not closed but they had volunteers at each crossing there to stop traffic if a runner was crossing a section. I usually listening to music while running but after 2 miles the scenery and sounds of nature inspired me to take off the headphones and just be one with nature. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone.

I would not recommend this marathon. The organizers do a terrible job securing the course and ensuring runner safety. The narrow trail that you're on for most of the marathon is packed with bikers and hikers. The bikers would ride up really close behind us yelling at us to move over. When bikers are behind you yelling and passing in both directions, the quality of the marathon is significantly diminished. Not to mention that these race organizers neglect to shut down the roads and post traffic controllers at every intersection. It isn't safe. And I was there to focus on running a marathon through gorgeous scenery, not safety issues and major inconveniences that the organizers failed to adaquetely address. Save yourself the disappointment and run a marathon that is designed properly.

I ran the full marathon in 2014 as my second marathon and had a great time, but since I didn't meet my time goal I decided to do it again this year. A sprained ankle two weeks before the marathon almost sidelined me, so I ended up switching to the half this year, which was every bit as enjoyable and it was no hassle to switch my entry the morning of. The course isn't conducive to spectators and it's a fairly small race, so expect that you might spend some time running alone (although likely at least in sight of another runner the whole time). Most of the people who come out to watch are presumably cheering for one or two friends or family members, but there were a few that hooted and hollered and gave high fives to everyone and a few that had funny signs, so it wasn't all just trees and a smattering of people lounging lazily waiting for their runners to go by. And who needs spectators anyway when the area is so beautiful and the course is fantastic (flat, peaceful, well maintained, and has very little non-race traffic)? The one downside is that shade is scarce at the end (last 8 miles or so of the marathon), so that slowed me way down last year, but the iced keepsake towels at the finish line last year and the icy inflatable pool for leg soaking this year more than made up for the heat (mid 70's at the finish). The aid stations seem well-spaced and well stocked. If you run the half, I'd advise using the porto-potties when you get there and not to wait until close to the start. As I was doing a shakeout jog I noticed that the lines were quite long in the 10 minutes before the start and I felt bad for the folks at the end who I'm sure didn't have time to go. Aside from that, the volunteers were all very sweet and friendly, the shuttle to the start line went without a hitch, and the post-race salad bar was awesome. Don't worry - they have champagne, beer, and donuts too, to satisfy all your weird post-run cravings. The finisher medals are lovely and the after party is fun and family friendly. Last year they had people making balloon animals and doing fortune-telling paintings (super fun!) and this year they had a bouncy castle setup for the kiddos. It's a great destination race with a good mix of locals and people from far away. Give it a try next year, but register early to avoid steep fees!

The course is spectacular, with picturesque mountains and rivers to distract from the 26.2. The trail is mostly paved, and much of it has a gravel shoulder if you prefer a softer surface (or some variety). The 6 a.m. start meant temperatures ranging from low 50s to high 60s - very pleasant. This is certainly a smaller race (226 finishers), which means no expo, no start corrals, no fuss. But the community really comes out to help with aid stations, traffic marshaling, and some cheering. My only quibble (which is easily fixed) is around pre-race communication. There were no pre-race emails until the week before the event, and even those lacked solid info on aid stations (e.g. nutrition and hydration at each stop). Overall a wonderful experience and a very special race.

WOW. From the lovely downtown of Aspen, on mostly paved paths, over roaring brooks through the Rocky Mountains: need I say more. This is a gentle downhill course (mostly not perceptible, not as hard on the quads as I expected), with a few easy inclines (can't really call them hills) toward the end of the race. The altitude was not an issue, probably because of the steady 1400 ft drop in elevation. I stayed in Aspen for a few nights prior to race day, which I recommend. Packet pick up was quick and easy (no expo, but who cares). I walked to the start from my hotel; it appears there is plenty of parking near the start. No porta potties, a nice public restroom was available 20 ft from the start, without much of a line. This is a small race (a few hundred runners). You run past the half marathon start around 7 miles or so. A few half marathoners passed us before the two races split up. Plenty of aid stations, minimal spectators. I was not particularly in the mood for a salad after the race, but most people seemed to love the idea. The food looked good; I guess I was looking forward to cold pizza! The medal is OK, technical T-shirt is nice. Overall: a well-organized race, a beautiful course, and a chance to spend a short vacation in this magnificent part of the country. If you are looking for a race with thousands of runners and supporters, look elsewhere; otherwise, you will not regret running this gem of a marathon.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.