Running all 50 states, I chose Aspen Valley for my CO marathon. I didn't choose it because it's a Boston Qualifier or downhill, only because I read good things and it seemed to be one of those scenic courses that I can't resist. It didn't disappoint.

The good: basically no expo; I picked up my packet in Basalt on my way up to Snowmass Village where I stayed. Quick stop, very simple. It's a beautiful area and the course is very scenic, especially in the first half, but also in the last half, just a little less so towards the end. The path itself is mostly paved or very small grain dirt/gravel, so good running surfaces. Not many water stops in the first few miles, so be aware. I wore a lightweight hydration pack which was perfect.

The shirt is pretty good, technical short-sleeve, and the medal is pretty - a shiny silver aspen leaf on a white ribbon. The volunteers were great as well, and it's a peaceful course, with a few spectators and nice vistas.

The not-quite-as-good: I don't want to say "bad" because there wasn't anything bad about the race, just observations. You are at a significant elevation to start and even at the end. Aspen is around 8000 ft or so, and even Basalt is around 6000ish. I didn't feel sick or anything but I think it affected me regardless; my legs felt leaden by halfway and that's not usually a problem. It was ultimately the heat that got me though. My running buddy and I were cruisin' for the first 13 miles then hit a heat wall. I think the temps were in the high 80s as we got lower into the valley, and there was little shade. Granted, it wasn't humid which was a huge plus, and the race started at 6am which helped a lot. I just don't do well in the heat, so what may be a super fast course and BQ for lots of people was more of a slog for me. I got my slowest time of the year (except for the double I did in KY and OH). I don't really care about that, just funny to see the differences in peoples' performance.

Also of note, it can be expensive to stay in the area but worth it for the beauty in my opinion. Parking wasn't bad; if you aren't in Aspen, drive to the intercept lot down the hill from Snowmass and take the bus up to the start. That worked perfectly. It's bit more of a pain to get back, as the finish is about 12 miles past Snowmass. Luckily my friend's mom was there and we were able to drive straight back. The bus system does operate for runners for free but I was glad to not have to wait around for it in the sun.

Post race food - I didn't hang around long but I know salad was the main offering (seemed weird), plus champagne. It was a festive area with other things to do - listen to music, etc.

Photos are great - you can download them for free or purchase prints. I love free race photos; I wish every race would factor that into the registration fee somehow.

Bottom line - there are some logistical issues to getting to the race (about 3.5-4 hrs from Denver) and it's not cheap to visit, but I'm glad I ran it. The beauty in the area, even just on the drive to and from Denver, was breathtaking, and the weather was great (despite the heat later in the day). The marathon is wonderfully organized and I definitely think it can be a fast course, just wasn't in the cards for me that day.