Cascade Express Marathon
North Bend, United States • 12 Sep 2026
Cascade Express Marathon and Half Marathon
The Cascade Express Marathon and Half Marathon take place in North Bend, Washington, utilizing the Palouse to Cascades Trail. These point-to-point races serve as the final event in a three-race Downhill Super Series. The courses are set on a gravel trail and provide views of the Cascade Mountains.
Participants can choose from the following distances:
- 26.2 miles (Marathon)
- 13.1 miles (Half Marathon)
The 26.2 mile course is USATF certified and follows a route that includes views along Keechelus Lake. The marathon course features a total gradual downhill drop of approximately 1,247 to 1,400 feet, which qualifies it as a Boston Marathon qualifying course.
The 13.1 mile event includes a unique segment where participants run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel for 2.4 miles. This half marathon course is also USATF certified and features a gradual net downhill of 800 to 1,000 feet.
All participants receive a technical shirt and a custom finisher medal upon completion. The event also provides a drop bag service for runners. The race start is located at the Homestead Valley Trailhead on Milwaukee Road. Registration typically opens in early November for the following year's event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.