calendar icon May 14, 2024

Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 30 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

A. P. from Miami, Florida (7/31/2018)
"Amazing downhill route" (about: 2018)

1 previous marathon | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I live in Miami and registered for the marathon because we were looking for a cooler place to run and somewhere to vacation at the same time. I've seen the pictures on the website and videos but I was not expecting such a beautiful scenery throughout the whole route. There was not a minute of the marathon that I was not enjoying while and where I was running. The downhill part was also a big part of my decision because this was my first marathon and I wanted to do well. The trail was perfectly downhill and it really helped me get the 3:21 I made on my first marathon. I was short 6 mins to qualify for Boston but hey there is always next year. Thank you very much for a great and well organized even!
 

B. S. from Tampa,fl (7/31/2018)
"Awesome experience overall!" (about: 2018)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I had such a fantastic time running the 2018 Jack and Jill Downhill half marathon with my friend Jen Johnson from Blaine, WA. I first heard of the race two years ago, and now I know why the race sells out as fast as lightning. What an amazing experience it is! I traveled from Tampa, Florida specifically to run this race. My brother, who lives in Seattle, decided he would like to do the race with me when I came out. Since the half marathon was sold out, he decided on a whim to try the full marathon. We both had amazing experiences and I really hope to be able to come out and run again in 2019. I was mesmerized by the scenery and the downhill is truly the perfect grade for running with ease. Very well run event, and wonderful, courteous runners as well.

Brooke Sheridan
 

M. N. from Grand Rapids, MI (7/31/2018)
"Incredible course (and incredibly fast!)" (about: 2018)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I have completed 80+ marathons and this is certainly a very memorable one! The course is absolutely beautiful and unique -- starting with a 2 mile run through a tunnel, followed by 24 miles of gradual downhill amongst towering trees, bridges and amazing scenery. The event is extremely well organized and communications pre/post-event were excellent. This is not the type of course where you will encounter spectators, which is exactly the point -- enjoy the nature surrounding you! Finish line festival was terrific and that is where you will have great crowd support (hence the 4 stars in the 'spectator' section).
 

R. A. from Victoria, BC (7/31/2018)
"Great course and excellent organization" (about: 2018)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This was the first time I have done this event. I travelled from Victoria,BC.

I signed up based on reviews I read online. I had a great time and enjoyed the course. The grade was a gentle downhill that I did not feel this through the course. Even though the temperatures were forecast to be in the mid 70's to 80's the shade made the entire race comfortable. Views and scenery along the course were amazing. I qualified for Boston and came close to getting a new PB. I would highly recommend this marathon both for course and organization.Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers who made this a wonderful event.
 

K. O. from Tacoma, WA (7/31/2018)
"26.2 mi of Snoqualmie loveliness with a side of PR" (about: 2018)

4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This year I was hesitant to show up to the race. I was feeling underprepared and nervous. All my reservations were squashed as soon as I began the 26.2 experience by entering a dark, cold, tunnel that welcomed me with wonder. Passing through that tunnel made the best introduction to a good long run. When I emerged to begin the trail I was pleasantly greeted with the wonderful support staff to collect my headlamp, which was safely returned at the finish. Thank you!

The trail was comfortable to run in its entirety and with water supplied every 2 miles I was not dehydrated at all on what was one of the hottest days of the year. At mile 21 I was greeted by a lovely volunteer with fresh strawberries! Get out! That was so perfect in timing! Yum. Cruising to the finish I felt better than I've ever felt in a full marathon and found myself actually skipping to the finish line! Bonus, I earned my PR!! Wonderful job and thank you, to all who came together to make The Jack n Jill so enjoyable.
 

J. R. from WA (7/31/2018)
"Descending course boasts beautiful views" (about: 2018)

3 previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Not having run a marathon in 28 years, I had no idea what to expect when participating in Jack and Jill's Downhill marathon this year. Waiting at the start, I met people from all over the United States, Canada and beyond who came to experience a beautiful downhill course and run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel. We watched the moon and stars fade and the sun rise behind the mountains as we waited at Hyak. It was gorgeous. I won't forget the echo of runners making their way through the cool, dark tunnel and seeing the light off in the distance. Wildflowers and trees lined the course with spectacular views. A man told me he'd run 27 different marathon courses and this was the most beautiful of all. Before running this race, I had vowed to never run another marathon. This course made me want to go back on my word...just kidding. In summary, with a gentle net 2,000 feet of descent, Jack and Jill's is a great choice for a course whether or not you want to try to qualify for Boston.
 

S. N. from Tulalip, Washington, USA (7/31/2018)
"Epic experience at the Jack and Jill Downhill!" (about: 2018)

2 previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


To start, I would like to say thank you to the race staff and volunteers that made this day so special for everyone! I appreciated the enthusiasm and encouraging words shared at the frequent water / gatorade stations. Additionally, I found all of the emails the week prior to the race extremely helpful.

The 2018 Jack and Jill Downhill was by far, my favorite race I have ever competed in. The views were spectacular, the tunnel was spooky and thrilling, and crossing the finish line with a PR time was just an added bonus that made this day so wonderful! I would definitely do this race again, and would recommend this run to others.
 

K. N. from Colorado (7/31/2018)
"Spectacular Downhill Marathon" (about: 2018)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first time running Jack & Jill (and visiting Washington), and all I can say is "Wow!". This is, by far, the most beautiful, scenic course I have run on (and I've run a marathon in the Rocky Mountains!). The course was such a gradual downhill, you barely noticed the ease your legs were moving down the hill, and you were constantly distracted by the beauty surrounding you on the John Wayne Trail. I came here with a plan to try and BQ, and crushed not only my qualifying time, but also my old PR! On the logistics side, pre-race communication was great, the expo was well organized, aid stations were well stocked (and NEEDED during the warm race), and the spectators, while sparse, clapped and cheered for every runner passing by! There is no doubt I will be back to run this course again
 

M. K. from New York City (7/31/2018)
"Fairy tale Marathon" (about: 2018)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Jack & Jill Downhill Marathon was a dream come true. I knew I needed a race for me and only me and had to escape the massive marathon scene. Coming off of 2 years of not breaking 4 hours, I was able to smash my goal of 3:47 (previous PR) to a 3:28:55. A 19 minute, 41 second PR and a BQ time! But the real beauty of this race is not the time you walk away with but the beauty of Washington. Traveling from NYC, I knew I needed a race away from the empire state of mind and one more in touch with mother nature. Jack & Jill felt more like a Saturday morning trail adventure with all the accompaniment of a marathon. Not every day do you run through a tunnel, see waterfalls, run through moss covered forests and run over bridges hundreds of feet in the sky and added bonus have well maintained water stations along the way. This marathon course was fairy tale like and the fast time led to the happily ever after ending.
 

D. K. from MT (7/31/2018)
"Great course, great organization, friendly people." (about: 2018)

4-5 previous marathons | 2 Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I've run the Jack and Jill Marathon twice, for the inaugural event and in 2018. I've also run the course in a different race. Does it make a difference which race you choose? Yes it does. Jack and Jill is friendly, well-organized, professional, but still more relaxed and fun! Not only does the course trend downhill all the way to a sweet finish, but it's absolutely gorgeous. Aid stations are reliably placed about every two miles, so you don't have to carry fluids unless you have your own special blend. And having a good chance of a BQ is always a great perk. Go J&J!
 

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