Cascade Express Marathon
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Event overview
The Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon takes place on September 12, 2026 in the Snoqualmie Pass / North Bend area of Washington. The event offers two point-to-point races: the 26.2-mile marathon and the 13.1-mile half marathon. The marathon is a Boston-qualifying course and the event is USATF sanctioned; the half marathon is USATF certified. Finish-line awards include a custom medal, a tech shirt, and a drop bag.
Course and logistics
Both courses follow a gravel trail through the Cascade Mountains and include sustained net downhill elevation loss: the marathon has just under 1,500 feet of net descent and the half marathon has about 800 feet of net descent. The marathon route runs along Keechelus Lake; the half marathon includes a 2.4-mile run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel. Runners are advised to bring a headlamp for the tunnel.
Packet pickup is held the day before the race at Snoqualmie Running, 38843 SE Newton St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065. Free parking near the start is available at the Summit I-90 Ski Area (about a 10-minute walk to the start); Hyak Trailhead parking has a $10 day use fee or is free for Washington Discover Pass holders. Shuttle buses will transport runners from the finish back to start-area parking at regular intervals. Pacers are planned for the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
