Aspen Backcountry Marathon

Click for the official site and results.The inaugural Aspen Back Country Marathon was held this past Saturday. A capacity field of 240 runners stomped 26.2 grueling miles up and down the trails of Aspen.   While the race started in the dark at 6 a.m. after a heavy storm the night before, the day evolved into one of those beautiful, crisp, crystal clear Colorado bluebirds.  The top finishers came in at just over 3 1/2 hours around 9.45 a.m.   Several dedicated trail runners stuck with it and completed the super-sick course in about 9 hours. 

Click for pix:

ASPEN BACKCOUNTRY MARATHON

Aspen's first-ever backcountry marathon was a rousing success based on the reaction of the participants and their supporters.  The race started and finished in Wagner Park in the center of town...and in the shadow of Ajax.  Approximately 3/4 of the field came from outside Aspen.  Serious trail runners came from all over Colorado,  and several from out of state.  Both the male and female winners hail from that little town over the hill... Crested Butte.   AspenSpin got the impression that Champs J. Marshall Thompson (M, age 32, 3:43:27) and Stevie Kremer (F, age 27, 3:55:21) had trained together.  They admitted to being "just friends"...and we all know what that means.

Kudos go out to local pals Michael Barlow (M age 26 3:59:07) Chase Edgerton (27, 3:58:08) Ted Mahon (M age 39 4:25:46) and Rob Bordan (M age 40, 4:57:04) for finishing so strong. More kudos to the Aspen Parks and Rec and Special Events teams who staged an excellent event.  Several runners were already talking about next year.

To paraphrase,  The Aspen Backcountry Marathon, it's more than a race... it's a lifestyle.

Aspen Backcountry Marathon Champion: J. Marshall Thompson cruises into the finish.The Gold Medal presentation at the Aspen Back Country Marathon. Click for more pix

After 26.2 miles on the trail, it's time to chill with the family. Click for more pix. 

The Aspen Flow

Summer in Aspen is not quite over yet.  The action in Aspen is non-stop. AspenSpin has been working overtime in our first week back from ski-hab.  While the pay is not great, the life-style and the perks are phenomenal. 

Click THE ASPEN FLOW to see a few photos from around town.

Today is the 2nd stage of the of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The world's best cyclists will be testing themselves at elevation over 7 days in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.  The Silver Queen Stage is a grueling 131 mile ride from Gunnison to Aspen crossing over two different 12,000 foot passes. In addition to the race, the entire town will be turned into a bike expo with sponsor tents, food vendors and a VIP experience.  Click USA PRO for all the info.

Thursday begins the 3rd annual Mountain Summit Film Festival, a collaboration between Telluride's Mountain Film and Aspen's Wheeler Opera House.   Mountain Summit is 4 days of award winning documentary films focused on activisim and adventure.  Real People...Unreal Stories.   This is one of AspenSpin's favorite events of the year as many of the filmmakers attend the festival to discuss their work, interact with the attendees and generally celebrate filmmaking.  See the schedule and buy tickets by clicking MOUNTAIN SUMMIT.

Saturday is the first ever Aspen Backcountry Marathon. Imagine running  26.2 miles on high country dirt trails through the woods, on the ridges with ascents and decents and incredible views.  If you are a highly trained mountain athlete, this race is for you. Click for info:  ASPEN BACKCOUNTRY MARATHON.

Sunday is the Power of Four Mountain Bike race.   A super-rad single track ride that goes up and down all four of Aspen's ski hills.   Aspen Skiing Company is sponsoring this killer event, click their site for more info.

See ASPENSPIN photos, click:  THE ASPEN FLOW.

Aspen's famous Dancing Fountain.Pick a Line. Aspen Highlands Bowl.

Eye Candy is part of the scenery in Aspen