Aspen Valley Marathon organizers seek more volunteers

ASPEN – Organizers of the inaugural Aspen Valley Marathon, set for this Saturday, are seeking volunteers to help with the event.

Last week officials received word that the 26.2-mile foot race, which begins a Wagner Park in Aspen and finishes at Lions Park in Basalt, received its accreditation as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, held every April on Patriots’ Day.

“This is something that we have been working towards for over two years,” said race director Sean Solon. “Boston qualifying will put the race on the national and international map and is sure to attract athletes from all over the world as the event becomes established over the next couple of years.”

Race organizers said they have also landed Chuck Engle as a participant. Engle has won 112 marathons, finishing all of them under three hours.

Organizers are making a plea for volunteers, as 150 course marshals and other helps are need to protect road junctions and help at aid stations, among other duties. Most of the race will be held on the Rio Grande Trail.

In conjunction with the marathon, a half marathon and 5K will be held. One-third of proceeds will be donated to Challenge Aspen, and a finishers’ party will be held at Lion’s Park.

For more information on volunteering or the race itself, contact Andrea Bauer at (970)319-1714 or email aspenvalleymarathon@gmail.com. Or, visit aspenvalleymarathon.com.