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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

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best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Aspen Valley Marathon

Basalt, CO
Saturday, July 25, 2026


  4.2 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The Aspen Valley Marathon course runs from Wagner Park in Aspen to Lions Park in Basalt along the Rio Grande trail. The race starts at nearly 8,000 feet and drops 1400 feet down to 6500 feet by mile 20. The last six miles are rolling to the finish at 6,600 feet.

The Aspen Valley Marathon takes place in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier, offering runners the opportunity to qualify for one of the most prestigious races in the world. With its stunning natural beauty and downhill course, the marathon is a must-do for any runner or outdoor enthusiast.

Runners will traverse a scenic route that winds through alpine forests and past the Rio Grand river ending in downtown Basalt. The race offers multiple options, including a full-marathon, half-marathon, and 5K, making it accessible to runners of all skill levels. After crossing the finish line, runners can celebrate their achievement at the Aspen Valley Marathon's afterparty, complete with live music, champagne, and delicious local food.

July Other Marathons in July Other Marathons in Colorado Marathons near Basalt, CO



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, July 25, 2026
2025: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 49°F (9°C)
Average High: 58°F (14°C)
Average Low: 30° F (-1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 96.36
Course Score: 96.67

Race Size

2025: 222 Finishers
2024: 192 Finishers
2023: 184 Finishers
2022: 136 Finishers
2021: 105 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 10.4%
2024: 9.9%
2023: 13%
2022: 11%
2021: 5.7%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 82°F  (28°C)
Low: 47°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

53°F  (12°C)
Humidity: 62%

Clear
SE 3 mph

PR Score

91.24

Course Score

92.03






Aspen Valley Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Aspen Valley Marathon was the 248th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 248th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 10.4% of Aspen Valley Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 9.9% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Aspen Valley Marathon ranked 135th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 168th in 2024. In Colorado, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 3rd in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Aspen Valley Marathon has a Course Score of 96.67, ranking it as the 410th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Colorado.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Aspen Valley Marathon a PR Score of 96.36. The PR Score ranks the Aspen Valley Marathon as the 387th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Colorado.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Aspen Valley Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Colorado for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Aspen Valley Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed410th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Colorado
Top 89% Nationally#2 of 9 in Colorado
PR Potential387th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Colorado
Top 84% Nationally#2 of 9 in Colorado
Boston Qualifier Rate135th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Colorado
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 29% Nationally#1 of 10 in Colorado
Race Size248th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in Colorado
Based on 2025 results
Top 42% Nationally#7 of 17 in Colorado

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 7960 feet (2426m)
Min Elevation: 6507 feet (1983m)

Elevation Gain: 305 feet (92m)
Elevation Loss: 1644 feet (501m)


Aspen

Course updated 06/22/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Aspen Valley Marathon

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Compare the Aspen Valley Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Aspen Valley Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Aspen Valley Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Aspen Valley Marathon in 5:47:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


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Race Reviews


4.2
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

High Altitude marathon

Full Review:

Chaos at the packet pickup. Short window of 3 hours to pickup night before. Not ready and only 4 volunteers and one apparently learning on the fly. So that was a bad start. Tank top way to small, medal kinda basic. After all that it's ok. I personally felt the altitude, just be warned. Nice course and scenic. Decent finish line experience. Pricey for what you get.

Race Tips:

I found the altitude affected me. Its probably various degrees for other out of towners. I stayed near the finish and mornings shuttle worked well. Early start to beat the heat

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Stayed at Basalt mountain inn 5 minutes from finish
Reviewed by H B About 2024

Beautiful and fast marathon!

Full Review:

I personally love running this marathon and the finish area atmosphere was so fun!

I ran the half marathon, I found that the race was well organized. Shuttles worked perfectly and dropped us off at the start of the half. The race started on time and the course was well marked.

Food options for athletes this year were great. They offered us fruit, cookies, sandwiches and a variety of drinks.

This is an absolutely STUNNING race to run (this is my second time), sometimes it's hard not to get distracted by how beautiful the scenery is.

I found that the staff at the start were super involved and talked to everyone, everyone was super excited and we cheered on the first marathoners that went past us.

Race Tips:

Be aware that altitude is real! I struggled at the beginning but was able to find my pace eventually. The fact that the race is mostly downhill helps A LOT!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you are someone that struggles with altitude allow yourself an extra day or two to acclimate. That helped me this time. Buses and shuttles are great and easy to find.
Reviewed by JD About 2024

Would definitely do again!

Full Review:

I had the best time running the Aspen Valley Marathon. The organization was phenomenal and the course was beautiful. The after-party was also so much fun. I can't wait to do this race again.

Race Tips:

Dress wisely because mornings are cold but it warms up a lot.
Reviewed by SB About 2023

Fast Course

Full Review:

This was a low key, smaller race. The course itself was very fast and the gradual downhill easily negated any effect of the altitude. I ran this race in 2019 and the last 6 miles were sunny but really not hot - and I'm saying that as someone who is usually very heat sensitive. Beware mile 24 though - I actually went off course 0.5 miles because the course was poorly marked. Every single aid station had honey stinger gels, and some had waffles and fruits. There was a very nice salad at the end with tons of veggie, protein and fruit options.
Reviewed by BH About 2019

Full Review:

Beautiful course, nice gradual downhill for the first 20 miles.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for the last 6 miles - it is no longer downhill and it is very exposed, so it can get hot - especially as the day gets later.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Small, low-key race, not really too many logistics to worry about.
Reviewed by Kate About 2014