One of the Nation’s Fastest Courses

We’re proud to be ranked among the Top 25 Fastest Marathon Courses in the world!

👉 See the Rankings

Marathon Overview

The Cascade Express Marathon is one of the fastest Boston Qualifier (BQ) courses in the country, with a BQ rate over 34%. Enjoy 26.2 miles of scenic downhill on a point-to-point gravel trail featuring stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Keechelus Lake. With a net elevation drop of 1,500 feet, this is your chance to chase a PR, BQ, or just a wildly enjoyable run.

• Course Certification: USATF #17WA029RMB

• BQ Rate: Over 34%

• Course Features: Gentle downhill, lakeside views, tunnel experience, mountain vistas

• Finish Swag: Custom medal, ultra-soft tri-blend shirt, Run Super Series drawstring bag & buff

Half Marathon Overview

The Cascade Express Half is among the fastest in the U.S. The point-to-point route includes the iconic 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel and continues with 800 feet of net downhill past waterfalls, trestles, and panoramic mountain views.

• Course Certification: USATF #17WA002LB

• Course Features: 800’ gentle downhill, tunnel run, scenic mountain course

• Finish Swag: Custom medal, soft shirt, drawstring bag & buff

Course Details

Marathon Course

• Start at Hyak Trailhead (Palouse to Cascades State Park)

• Begin with a 5-mile out-and-back by the lake to spread out the field before the tunnel

• Enter the 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel

• Continue descending past waterfalls, railroad trestles, and forests

• Finish at Cedar Falls Trailhead in Iron Horse State Park

• No flat 5-mile highway finish and no noisy freeway running

Half Marathon Course

• Start at Hyak Trailhead

• Enter the Snoqualmie Tunnel within the first half mile

• Continue on a scenic 13.1-mile downhill trail

• Finish on the Iron Horse Trail near the Cedar Falls Trailhead

Headlamps are required for both distances due to tunnel sections.

Race Schedule

Friday – Packet Pickup

📍 Snoqualmie Running, 38843 SE Newton St, Snoqualmie, WA

🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday – Race Day

Race Day Info

Packet Pickup (Day-of)

Available for $25 add-on. If you can't make Friday pickup, we'll have your bib and swag ready race morning.

Parking

• Free: Summit at Snoqualmie I-90 Ski Area (10-minute walk to start)

• Paid: Hyak Trailhead ($10 day pass or free with Washington Discover Pass)

Finish Line

📍 Iron Horse State Park (Cedar Falls Trailhead)

Google Maps Pin

Address: 19500 Cedar Falls Rd SE, North Bend, WA 98045

Important Finish Access Notes

Do not attempt to drive up the dirt road to the finish line—this is a safety issue for runners. Use SE Homestead Valley Rd and follow the parking instructions. Walk the final mile to the Iron Horse Trail crossing.