Iron Horse Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The Iron Horse Half Marathon is a point to point half marathon held near North Bend, Washington, on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. The route follows an old railroad corridor and runs entirely on smooth, hard-packed dirt and gravel, with only a few road crossings. Regular road running shoes are suitable for the surface. The course was revised in 2026 to a modified out-and-back layout.
The first few miles include a mild climb, then the course provides a net descent from around mile 4 to the finish. There are five aid stations spaced about 2 to 3 miles apart supplying Tailwind electrolytes and GU gels. The race is cupless; participants should carry a handheld or use a small reusable folding cup at aid stations. Race services include free gear check with bags transported from the start to the finish, chartered shuttles from the finish to the start on race morning, and pacers provided by the Seattle Greenlake Running Group for a range of finish times.
Awards are given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers on gun time and in 5-year age groups; awards are picked up at the Orca tent. A virtual option is available for a limited number of participants and includes mailed shirt, medal, and bib. The event benefits the REI Cooperative Action Fund and takes place on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
