calendar icon Oct 31, 2024

Marathon Details - Jack and Jill's Downhill Saturday Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WA > Hyak to Tanner > Jack and Jill's Downhill Saturday Marathon

Jack and Jill's Downhill Saturday Marathon

Jack and Jill's Downhill Saturday Marathon & Half Marathon

location icon Hyak to Tanner, WA USA

calendar icon July 27, 2024

calendar icon http://www.jackjillmarathon.com

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Address: USA Endurance Events
9369 Dowdy Dr., Ste. E
San Diego, CA92126
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Runner Reviews (9)

Course Rating Course 4.9 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.0 
 
 
Number of comments: 9


 

Wayne Wright from Palmdale, California USA (10/20/2019)
"And the Runners Came Tumbling After" (about: 2019)

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


INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:22:36. The Jack and Jill Downhill Marathon was my fifty-sixth 26.2-miler accomplished.

COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: drizzly and in the mid-fifties at the start.

Starting in Hyak, we descended down the John Wayne Trail for 21 miles including, beginning one-fourth of a mile into the race, two and a half miles of tunnel; the darkness was offset by the headlamps worn by the runners. At the end of the tunnel, there was a volunteer who received them for transport to the finish line. The course was marked by forests, waterfalls, bridges over rivers and creeks, and for those who wanted to keep in touch with civilization, an occasional glimpse of Interstate 90.

Just past mile 21, we turned right onto the busier Snoqualmie Valley Trail for the rest of the race that concluded off of North Bend Way a mile southeast of town.

Weather at the finish was partly cloudy, 64 degrees.

ORGANIZATION: Well organized; though the bus driver did not know the way to the start, all was well when a local runner was able to get us there. Good course and finish line support. Chocolate milk aficionados will be happy at the conclusion of the race.

SPECTATORS: Trace.

CONCLUSION: A well organized, very scenic and easy downhill race. Well done.

 

N. R. from Denver, co (8/2/2019)
"I couldn't have asked for a better first marathon." (about: 2019)

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


I was talked into this marathon by a friend that ran it in 2018. I was sold
by his review and the pictures and video that I saw. This is pretty amazing
since I had not run a marathon and was terrified of the distance. My nerves
were pretty much gone by the time I came out of the tunnel and realized
this was going to be a great experience. The 26+ miles flew by and it never
felt like I was out there that long. The pacer I ran with was awesome and
the course was beautiful. The water stops and portas were never too far
away and I don't think I could've asked for a better first marathon
experience. Thank you for work on this event!!

 

N. B. from Denver, CO (8/2/2019)
"Great Race (especially to BQ)" (about: 2019)

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


My wife and I both ran the full marathon on Saturday, and would do it again in a heartbeat. We run on both trails and roads, and this course was a nice balance between the two: the forest-y atmosphere of a trail run, but on a smoother and more predictable surface (albeit still not fully paved). If you're worried about the surface, don't be. We both wore road shoes without any trouble.

Despite some rain (it literally only happened to rain for the 5 hours surrounding our race day, so don't be scared off by that either), we each knocked 14 minutes off the times we ran 7 months ago at CIM, and both ended up in the top 10. The views are beautiful, the field isn't overcrowded, the times are fast, and the volunteers are wonderful and supportive. Do it!

PS - I'd be shocked if there's a better BQ option out there.

 

W. W. from Los Angeles (8/1/2019)
"This is a Downhill Trail Marathon" (about: 2019)

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


The hardship of running on the un-even gravel road made me rate the gentle downhill course 4 stars.

The marathon is well organized. The event has been broken into two days to minimize congestion on the road, especially through the tunnel. The shuttle bus to the start line and out of the finish area were smooth. I asked for having my bib mailed to me as my schedule did not allow me to attend the expo. I got my bib more than two weeks ahead of the event. The water stations were well equipped and well-staffed. You can get your time right after the race online or using the iPad provided at the finishing area. The event provide free photos taken by professional photographers.

Although the finish area parking space is limited. Still, plenty of spectators were at the finish area to greeting the finishers.

The route is along a single lane gravel jeep road converted from old railroad. The route is in the forest. We have tall trees on both sides of the route most of the time. The route is above highway 90. You can hear the highway noise most of the time.

We have to lift our feet higher than running on regular paved road to avoid kicking the rocks. In many sections, we have to select foot landing spots because of the gravel road covered with different size of loose rocks. Running through the 2+ miles tunnel not far from the start line is a special to this event. Running in the tunnel slows you down as you cannot find your own running pace as the limited space and visibility. We had rain in Saturday morning. The rain roughly started at 5:00am and ended at 10:00am. The cool temperature and the rain moisture helped the running. However, the view distance were limited because of the rain. We did not get a chance to enjoy the gorgeous view along the route. The road were muddy and/or flooded in some areas. In many area, we cannot run along the auto wheel track mark, which would be smooth and less rocky. We had to run along the center of the road, which have bigger rock and higher grass. This takes some extra efforts and energy. The race trail is not close for the event. We have to yield bikes and other runners along the way often.

Overall, the route is a gentle downhill trail. It is not a "fastest" race I have had. Other races like the Revel series races, Mountain to Beach marathon, and Napa Valley marathons may be faster, depending on how you have trained yourself for downhill running.

 

Sara Hanna from United States (7/31/2019)
"Absolutely beautiful course!" (about: 2019)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Jack and Jill's Downhill Saturday Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This race is well organized and absolutely beautiful!

 

S. L. from Florida (7/31/2019)
"Hard to top this beautiful race!" (about: 2019)

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


I cannot say enough good things about this race from packet pick up to the finish line!

Packet pick up was smooth. It was tough to choose between the tank and the short sleeved shirts though. Then we checked out the finish line and saw the flag of my home state...that was a nice touch. After that, we were off to find the start line and where my hubs would drop me off for my race. We parked and took a short walk to find the tunnel. It was so cool (literally) that we could feel the cold air from it before we could see it.

Parking on race day was easy. There were park bathrooms and plenty of port o potties. There was a staggered start to ensure no bottlenecks at the tunnel. This was my first time running through a tunnel and it was great. Running in the cool darkness and then emerging to breathtaking views of beautiful mountains and trees was quite a treat! The course was so scenic and beautiful from start to finish! There were miles markers for the entire race for both the marathon and half marathon. The volunteers were so amazing too! Even though the course is downhill, it was still plenty challenging. I found myself being a little extra cautious in those final miles to avoid stumbling over the rocks....after 23 or so miles, just lifting the feet became challenging. The finisher's medals are awesome. I love seeing the sunlight shine through it. I even took mine for a sightseeing photo shoot. Oh, I also love the gear bags. I used mine the very next day when I was visiting a state park. Finally the food and drink selection at the finish line was great too. I especially enjoyed the pasta salad.

This was the most beautiful course I have ever seen. It will be hard to top this one!

 

Jessica Rush from Minnesota (7/31/2019)
"Amazing marathon experience!" (about: 2019)

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


Huge shout out to the Jack & Jill Marathon crew! 

I took a bad tumble trail running a few years ago and ended up having hip surgery. Afterwards, both my surgeon and my physical therapist warned me that I may never be able to run again. Fast forward to Saturday and I proved everyone wrong. Not only did I run a full marathon but I did it without any hip pain! The entire course was stunning and I smiled from start to finish. The race crew and volunteers were incredibly supportive and cheered me on every step of the way. I cried a few happy tears with every 'you got this' I heard at the water stops. Thank you so much for reminding me how important it is to believe in myself. 

 

E. K. from Minneapolis, Minnesota (7/31/2019)
"WOW! What an experience!" (about: 2019)

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


I came to Washington to run the Jack & Jill Marathon with a number of friends from all over the country. 7 of us ran on Saturday, and 2 on Sunday - which gave me the unique opportunity not only to experience the course myself as a race participant, but also as a spectator and supporter. The course is BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL! As a runner, I loved the scenery, the forgiving gravel road, the shade and smell of the trees, sound of the rushing water - and the gentle downhill grade. Steep enough to make the run feel "easy", yet gentle enough to not beat up my legs the way some downhill grades do. I continually thought "I should stop and take photos" but didn't want to compromise my time to do so. As a spectator, I was able to appreciate all of the scenery, but also the excitement of cheering for other runners as well as for my friends - and encouraging so many people on to get a PR or Boston qualifying time. As I was high-fiving runners at mile 21, one woman slapped my hand and yelled "I'm going to Boston!" I later got to see her - and many other runners cross the finish line to the announcement that they had qualified for Boston - it was so exciting and so inspiring!

The race was extremely well organized with clear communication, plentiful portapotties and aid stations. It was perfectly marked with garbages at each mile marker, which was impressive. The finish line was efficient - and the staff was SO helpful. At the end of the races on Day 2, I visited with one of the staff members and shared with her the fact that I, and 2 of my friends, were paired with buddies with disabilities through a non-profit organization called "I Run 4 Michael". Each of us "runs for" our buddies and dedicate our miles to them - and, when possible, we love to send them a medal from the race as inspiration for overcoming their own challenges. The race organizers were kind enough not only to give us an extra medal for our buddies, but also a shirt, bag and buff. We will definitely be back to run this course again!!!

 

M. N. from Grand Rapids, MI (7/31/2019)
"Beautiful course and FAST!" (about: 2019)

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


I ran the Jack/Jill in 2018 and had to return with my wife in 2019. The course is a gradual downhill the entire race and scenery is absolutely stunning. We both qualified for Boston along with many other runners. Organization and communications from the Race Director are top notch.


 
 
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