Downhill Marathons

Overview

Tunnel Marathons Halfway Aid Station
Tunnel Marathons Halfway Aid Station

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

Cascade Super Series Marathons
Cascade Super Series Marathons
The Tunnels Marathons are a USATF certified course
The Tunnels Marathons are a USATF certified course

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.

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)