About
The Cascade Express Marathon and Super Marathon are both part of the Cascade Super Series races. Both are run on the same course by the same organization. The Cascade Express Marathon occurs annually in early September. The Super Marathon occurs annually in late June. The Cascade Super Series also sponsors half marathons, endurance runs, an ultra marathon and multi event challenges.
The course is one of the fastest marathon courses in the country! It is also one of the top 20 Boston Qualifier Courses in the country with a BQ rate of over 34 percent! Enjoy 26.2 miles of scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascades Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on the point to point course. This is the only marathon course that features jaw dropping views while you run along Keechelus Lake. With 1500 feet of gradual net downhill, the course assures that you will “find your supper fast” on the way to a speedy time, PR, or BQ! Both marathons are USATF certified.
Cascade Express Marathon and Super Marathon Course
The race begins at Hyak Trail Head at Palouse to Cascades State Park. The first five miles are an out and back section that offers flat terrain along Keechelus Lake. At mile 5.2 enter the famous 2.4-mile-long Snoqualmie Tunnel. On exiting the tunnel, more stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and Snoqualmie Pass greet you. Remaining is a gentle 1500 foot downhill descent over the last 17 miles of the course. You will cross railroad trestles, pass waterfalls, and take in the endless mountain vistas! The course finishes at the Cedar Falls Trailhead near Rattlesnake Lake.
Race Day Schedule
Parking Lots Opens: 5:15 AM
Packet Pick-up and Registration: 5:30 AM – 6:45 AM
Pre-race Briefing: 6:55 AM
Race Start: 7:00 AM
Finish Line Opens: 9:30 AM
Finish Line Cut-off: 2:00 PM
Shuttles Buses to start line parking: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM running every 20 – 30 minutes
Race Day Info
Packet Pick-up & Day of Registration
Race day packet pick-up and day of registration are available, but advanced packet pick-up is not available.
Parking
Go to the Summit I-90 Ski Area for free parking near the start line. It is about a 10-minute walk from the free parking area to the start line. Parking is available at The Hyak Trailhead has parking for a $10 day use or free with a Washington Discover Pass.
Free Parking
Paid Parking/Start Line
Finish Line
Shuttle Buses
Buses will transport runners back to the starting line parking areas from finish line. Buses will run every 20-30 minutes starting around 9:30 am.
Drop Bag
Fabric Cascade Super Series drop bags are provided to all runners! Your bib includes a tag for the bag. Drop your possessions at the start line and they will be transported to the finish line awaiting the arrival of their owner.
Course Support
Pacers
Super Pacers are there to take pressure off your watch. You can join the 3:15. 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, or 5:00 pace groups and have a good time running your best time!
Aid Stations
The marathon has 12 aid stations and all stations will have water and Gu electrolyte drinks. Aid stations 6, 9, and 11 will have Gu gels in assorted flavors (both caffeinated and non-caffeinated). The locations of the aid stations are shown below:
#1 – Mile 2
#2 – Mile 4
#3 – Mile 5.2 (tunnel entrance)
#4 – Mile 8 (tunnel exit)
#5 – Mile 10
#6 – Mile 12 – Gu
#7 – Mile 14
#8 – Mile 16
#9 – Mile 18 – Gu
#10 – Mile 20
#11 – Mile 22 – Gu
#12 – Mile 24
Bathrooms
There are multiple restrooms on the course. Public restrooms on the trail are located at Mile 0.3 (parking lot off trail), Mile 1.5, Mile 3.5, Mile 4.7 (parking lot off trail), Mile 5.2 (Hyak parking lot), Mile 7.7 (tunnel exit), Mile 13.5 (left side of trail), Mile 18.5 (Porta Potties at Garcia Road), Mile 20.5 (Porta Potties at Rock Climbing Area) and the Finish Line.
Medical
Medics are on-site at the finish line.
Race Timing & Cut Offs
The marathon will be chip timed. Runner will have 7 hours to complete the race. Official timing ends at 2:00 PM. An early start option is not offered.
Finish Line – Food and Massage
Sunshine Productions will be on-site at the finish line grilling up fresh hot grilled cheese and snacks to satiate your hunger. Elite Massage Professionals is on hand to massage away post-race tightness. Cost for massage is $1 per minute.
Spectators
The marathon recommends that spectators hang out at the start line after the race, as you will get to see runners come back through here at Mile 5. For mid-course viewing, Mile 18.5 is the best location with easy access. This involves a mile drive up a bumpy dirt forest service road. You will want to get down to Cedar Falls Trailhead to watch runners make a super-fast finish!
Awards
Awards are given for the Top 3 Male and Female Overall runners, overall male and female masters (40+), and top in each age group (M/F): Under 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+