Aspen Backcountry Marathon & Half Marathon Set for August

Adidas Outdoor will sponsor the seventh annual Aspen Backcountry Marathon & Half Marathon in collaboration with the City of Aspen, Aug. 12, 2017, for the second consecutive year. Athletes will run last year’s single track course in reverse on high country dirt trails with challenging ascents and descents and wide diversity in terrain, with views of the Elk Mountains and the City of Aspen.

“Adidas Outdoor is committed to getting people outside; we look forward to working closely with our partner, the City of Aspen to host another successful event,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director, Adidas Outdoor U.S. “Trail running is an important growth category for Adidas Outdoor and the Aspen Backcountry Marathon is truly an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. Holding this iconic event in one of the most scenic mountain towns in the U.S. not only enables us to solidify our engagement with this committed runner, but also reinforces our connection to Aspen, and all it has to offer. Aspen is not only a winter destination, it is a summer one as well.”

Registration is open, with both the marathon and the half marathon capped at 250 participants. Scheduled training runs will be offered with the Aspen Alpine Guides and Aspen Trailheads.

For the marathon, the first male and female finishers will be awarded $600, second place will receive $400 and $200 for third place. The first male and female finishers in the half marathon will be awarded a $150 Adidas Outdoor gift card. A “King of the Mountain” prize ($250 gift card from Adidas Outdoor) will be awarded to the first male and female marathon entrant. Additionally, a $150 Adidas Outdoor gift card will be given to the top three marathon finishers in each of the six age groups (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+).

The race will be environmentally friendly, following the principles of Leave No Trace, Center for Outdoor Ethics. It will be a cupless course; participants may purchase a reusable/foldable soft-cup from UltrAspire for six dollars during the registration process, or use their own hydration system. The finish line will feature The Rotary Club of Aspen’s annual Ducky Derby celebration including games, food and drinks, a Finish Line recovery tent, Aspen Brewing Company beer and local retailer and sponsor tents.