Overview
North Bend is a mecca for downhill marathons in the United States. It has multiple opportunities for Boston qualifying over a scenic gentle downhill course. The exact start and stop locations depend on the specific marathon and distance (full or half).
The start location is around Snoqualmie Pass. The race course is the incredibly scenic gentle downhill slope of the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The elevation ranges from 2500 feet down to 400 so you don’t need to worry about altitude issues. Located in the mountains of Washington State, it’s unlikely to be too hot. But even on the slight chance it is, there is much shade from the forests along the way. You’ll also get some amazing views of the the Cascade Mountains and the South Fork Snoqualmie River valley along the way. There are also some waterfalls and several long trestle bridges as the trail used to be a railroad.
Marathons
Specific downhill marathons occur from late Spring through late summer. You should sign up well in advance as some of them tend to fill up very early. Most also have a half marathon available as well. USATF certified. Specific downhill marathons happening around North Bend in the next year are listed below in order of annual dates. Click on the one(s) you are interested in learning more about.
- Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon (part of Tunnel Marathon series). Hyak to North Bend. June 13, 2021. Run annually.
- Super Half Marathon (part of Cascade Super Series). Hyak to Garcia. Run annually in late June. June 26, 2021
- Super Marathon (part of Cascade Super Series). Hyak along Keechelus Lake to Rattlesnake Lake. Run annually in late June. June 27, 2021
- Jack and Jill Marathon. Hyak to North Bend. July 24-25, 2021
- Jack and Jill Half Marathon. Garcia Rd to North Bend. July 24-25, 2021
- Tunnel Vision (part of Tunnel Marathon series). Hyak to North Bend. Aug 15, 2021. Run annually.
- Iron Horse Half Marathon. Garcia Rd to North Bend. Aug 22, 2021
- Tunnel Light (part of Tunnel Marathon series). Hyak to North Bend. Sept 12, 2021. Run annually.
- Cascade Express Marathon (part of Cascade Super Series). Hyak along Keechelus Lake to Rattlesnake Lake. Run annually in Sept. Sep 19, 2021
- Cascade Express Half Marathon (part of Cascade Super Series). Hyak to Garcia. Run annually in early Sept. Sep 19, 2021
- Cascade Super Ultra (part of Cascade Super Series). South Cle Elum to Rattlesnake Lake. Sep 25, 2021
Some other endurance runs which take place in the area are:
- Tiger Peak Challenge Half Marathon Jul 31, 2021
- Cascade Crest Endurance Run 100 miles (Easton) Aug 28, 2021
- Suncadia Half Marathon Aug 7, 2021
- 100 mi (Cle Elum) Sep 11-12, 2021
- Middle Fork Trail Run North Bend 9/11/21
- Mt Si Hill Climb Sep 26, 2021
- Grand Ridge Trail Run Issaquah WA Nov 13, 2021 (half marathon/full marathon)