One of the Nation&rsquo;s Fastest Courses We&rsquo;re proud to be ranked among the Top 25 Fastest Marathon Courses in the world! 👉 <a class="" href="https://www.halfmarathons.net/fastest-marathons/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="394" data-end="462">See the Rankings</a>
<h3 class="" data-start="469" data-end="496">Marathon Overview</h3>
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.
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Course Certification: USATF #17WA029RMB
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BQ Rate: Over 34%
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Course Features: Gentle downhill, lakeside views, tunnel experience, mountain vistas
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Finish Swag: Custom medal, ultra-soft tri-blend shirt, Run Super Series drawstring bag &amp; buff
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<h3 class="" data-start="1144" data-end="1176">Half Marathon Overview</h3>
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.
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Course Certification: USATF #17WA002LB
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Course Features: 800&rsquo; gentle downhill, tunnel run, scenic mountain course
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Finish Swag: Custom medal, soft shirt, drawstring bag &amp; buff
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<h3 class="" data-start="1611" data-end="1633">Course Details</h3>
Marathon Course
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Start at Hyak Trailhead (Palouse to Cascades State Park)
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Begin with a 5-mile out-and-back by the lake to spread out the field before the tunnel
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Enter the 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel
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Continue descending past waterfalls, railroad trestles, and forests
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Finish at Cedar Falls Trailhead in Iron Horse State Park
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No flat 5-mile highway finish and no noisy freeway running
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Half Marathon Course
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Start at Hyak Trailhead
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Enter the Snoqualmie Tunnel within the first half mile
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Continue on a scenic 13.1-mile downhill trail
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Finish on the Iron Horse Trail near the Cedar Falls Trailhead
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Headlamps are required for both distances due to tunnel sections.
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<h3 class="" data-start="2362" data-end="2383">Race Schedule</h3>
Friday &ndash; Packet Pickup 📍 Snoqualmie Running, 38843 SE Newton St, Snoqualmie, WA 🕒 3:00 PM &ndash; 7:00 PM
Saturday &ndash; Race Day
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<h3 class="" data-start="2825" data-end="2846">Race Day Info</h3>
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
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Free: Summit at Snoqualmie I-90 Ski Area (10-minute walk to start)
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Paid: Hyak Trailhead ($10 day pass or free with Washington Discover Pass)
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Finish Line 📍 Iron Horse State Park (Cedar Falls Trailhead) <a class="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/BGFC3RoPYqR7Wxqf6" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="3225" data-end="3285">Google Maps Pin</a> 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&mdash;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.

Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon - Race Reviews