Courses
These courses are downhill designed for runners seeking fast times, personal bests, and Boston Marathon qualifying with no 5-minute penalty.
MARATHON
Start & Finish
Start: 7:00 AM — Hyak Trailhead, Palouse to Cascades State Park
Finish: Homestead Valley Trailhead, Palouse to Cascades Trail
Shuttle service runs from the finish back to the start post-race. Free parking is available near Summit at Snoqualmie.
Course Overview
The Cascade Express Marathon & Half follows the fast, scenic Palouse to Cascades Trail from Hyak toward North Bend, Washington.
Runners will experience:
• 1247 feet of certified net elevation loss
• Smooth, fast rail-trail surface
• Views of Keechelus Lake and the Cascade Mountains
• The iconic 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel
• A steady, gradual descent built for negative splits
This course is designed for runners chasing personal bests and Boston Qualifiers — without the 5-minute penalty.
On-Course Support
Aid stations are positioned approximately every 2–3 miles and include water and electrolyte hydration.
Additional course support includes:
• Restrooms at start, finish, and select aid stations
• Course marshals at key access points
• Medical support at start, finish, and strategic locations
USATF Certified WA25021RMB
HALF Marathon
Start & Finish:
Start: 7:30 AM - Hyak Trail Head at Palouse to Cascades State Park
Finish: Garcia crossing, one mile up from the main road - otherwise known as a nice cool-down walk to catch your bus.
Route Description:
13.1 miles of scenic downhill through the 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel, with 1009 feet gentle downhill descent.
Half Marathon USATF certification WA25023RMB
Course Overview
The Cascade Express Marathon & Half follows the fast, scenic Palouse to Cascades Trail from Hyak toward North Bend, Washington.
Runners will experience:
• 1009 feet of certified net elevation loss
• Smooth, fast rail-trail surface
• Views of the Cascade Mountains
• The iconic 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel
• A steady, gradual descent built for negative splits
This course is designed for runners chasing personal bests or a good time.
Aid stations are positioned approximately every 2–3 miles and include water and electrolyte hydration.
Additional course support includes:
• Restrooms at start, finish, and select aid stations
• Course marshals at key access points
• Medical support at start, finish, and strategic locations
Half Marathon USATF certification WA25023RMB
