I did the 'Lite' version of this race on September 16 (less support, no start/finish arches, etc.), cut almost 16 minutes off my PR, qualified for Boston by more than 5 minutes, and was able to register for Boston the next day. You can't ask for better than that! Beautiful course, fun tunnel, really nice people, really low-key race. Loved it.

Signed up for this race early - and a good thing too, it sold out. They apparently limit it to 400 runners to keep from getting too crowded in the tunnel. And what a tunnel! Over 2 miles long and yes, you can see the tiny speck of light at the end. With all the runners, I did not think all that much about the fact that we were running in a rather close tunnel until emerging back into the Light. The grade was a gentle downslope and easy on the legs. Many thanks to the organizers for the outstanding buffet at the finish line. Lots of Maniacs running; and I was convinced to join their group. Planning to sign up early again next year.

Doing the 50 states, I chose this one for WA because it seemed like a unique, scenic course. It lived up to my expectations, especially the cool tunnel in the first few miles. I even got a PR thanks to the consistant slight downhill and the cool, drizzly weather.

Everything was awesome, from the organization, to the super volunteers, to the beautiful course! I did not set a PR but I have great pictures! I want to come back and run this one again! If you are from the flat lands you'll want to try and get some down hill running in as part of your training. The trail is not technical and I did not need gaitors but saw lots of folks with them. However, a light is a must in the tunnel!
Thanks for a great race, I'll be back!!

A fast course that will allows you to set a personal record. I beat my PR by 13 minutes for a BQ time of 3:27. Thanks to Brian and all volunteers for a well organized race. Food at the finish included fruit, chili, chocolate milk,etc... The course highlighted the beautiful Pacific NW area. A great race.

Flawless organization, perfect size, incredible scenery (you can't see the mountains as well from highway 90), and good aid stations. I adored everything about this race, from the flush toilets at the start to the wildflowers to the tiny streams to the chili at the end. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

I'm not used to gravel, and I found myself with very sore feet and just generally exhausted from trying to avoid larger rocks. If you are a wimpy city runner like me, you may wish for different shoes or something.

My Personal Record was set 4 years and 40 marathons ago. I beat it by 13 minutes on this run. Another person I met took 20 minutes off their PR.
Perfect marathon weather.
55 at the start and cloudy. A little drizzle, a little rain, clear at the finish line for some homemade chili.
Medal and shirt are great and the finish line festivities were very friendly and fun.
NOTE: Stay in Bellevue. It's only a 20 minute drive and lots more to do, eat, etc.

Just ran this race yesterday and it was a great experience! I was expecting a scenic course and it was even better than I thought it would be. Can't say enough about what a beautiful trail it is. I had no trouble with the footing at all, didn't need gaitors although lots of people had them. The tunnel was a unique experience, especially with all the runners going through at once. The race was very well organized, nice that it was a point to point with transport to the start. Really no spectators but the volunteers were awesome and very supportive - thank you! lots of good food at the finish, especially the chocolate milk - nice touch. I really like the medal and the tshirt as well. Nice to have a shirt that isn't covered with advertising, just the name of the race on the back. All in all a great race!

Ran this marathon today - July 15, 2012 - in simply perfect weather. Cool and misty the whole time, what a score! The course is beautiful with mountain views, trestles over streams, and of course the tunnel, which is amazing. Footing in there was really easy and it was great fun, a perfect start to the race. Organization was great - like all marathons, they could use more potties at the start - and we got something I'd never had before: the director solicited requests for your race number! I got the one I wanted, 325, to represent my goal time which I went below in a PR, 3:23.

I wore Dirty Girl gaiters and was glad I did - there's no downside and there were sections with lots of loose gravel. The downhill grade was very modest but appreciated. No extra impact on quads for me.

Good food at the finish, so top to bottom a great race. I would definitely come back in the future. Thanks, Brian!

(note spectator rating is kind of N/A - there really aren't any. I gave it a five to complement the very nice volunteers.)

Before me. I want to be sure I get in next year. Race sold out at 400.
What can be said, 26 miles through incredible scenery, losing 100 ft/mile. Waterfalls too numerous to count, several high (100+ ft) bridges, friendliest competitors... did I mention the tunnel?
About half the racers were maniacs, which is always a good sign.
Course is on an old railroad grade in the mountains, so there were limited spectators (which I like). Volunteers at the water stations were fantastic as always.
I wouldn't put it up with Yakima, but if you do this, you will not be disappointed.