Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon
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About the race
The Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon are point to point road races on a USATF‑certified course along Washington State Route 821 between Ellensburg and Selah, Washington. The event offers two distances:
- 26.2 miles Marathon course, point to point following the Yakima River Canyon.
- 13.1 miles Half‑Marathon course, starting at the Marathon 13.1 mile mark.
Registration for both distances opens on 2026-10-01 and closes on 2027-03-01; the posted registration fee is $85. The half marathon entry is limited to 250 runners due to bus logistics; there is currently no limit on marathon entries. Entry includes a nonrefundable T-shirt, race‑day transportation if needed, finisher medal, and a finisher’s certificate.
The marathon course follows paved highway through the canyon, includes two major hills and many curves, and has a net elevation loss approaching the Yakima Valley orchard and ranch country. Aid stations are placed every 2–3 miles and will supply water, Powerade, and basic medical aid; restrooms and medical personnel are available on course. The course is open for seven hours; runners who cannot finish within that window will be transported from the course.
Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers and to age‑group places; awards are distributed in real time at the finish line. Race headquarters and packet pickup locations are at the Selah Civic Center and Days Inn in Ellensburg; there is Friday evening packet pickup at the Selah Civic Center. Bus service runs between the Selah Civic Center, the Best Western Ahtanum Inn, start areas, and the finish area. Average local temperatures for the time of year are about 29°F low and 56°F high. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
