Cascade Express Marathon

Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon

The Cascade Express event on September 12, 2026 takes place in the North Bend / Snoqualmie Pass area and uses a point to point route on the Palouse to Cascades State Park trail system. The marathon and half marathon run largely on gravel trail and pass through mountain scenery and lakeside stretches.

Distances:

• 26.2 miles Marathon, point to point along gravel trail near Keechelus Lake
• 13.1 miles Half marathon, point to point including the 2.4 mile Snoqualmie Tunnel

Course characteristics noted by the organizers include a gradual net descent: the marathon shows just under 1500 feet of net downhill and the half marathon about 800 feet of net downhill. The marathon is listed as a Boston qualifier and both courses carry USATF certification (marathon WA25021RMB, half WA25023RMB).

Event operations include packet pickup on the day before the race at Snoqualmie Running in Snoqualmie, WA, with an option for race morning bib pickup for an additional fee. Parking options near the start include free parking at the Summit I-90 Ski Area with a short walk to the start, and parking at the Hyak Trailhead subject to a day use fee or free with a Washington Discover Pass. Shuttle buses transport runners from the finish back to start-area parking at regular intervals. Pacers are provided and finish items include a custom medal, a tech shirt, and a drop bag. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.