Events
Cascade Express Marathon
Cascade Express Half Marathon
Event Description
Chasing a Boston Qualifier?
BQ Special: $20 OFF This Week – Use Code: CHASINGUNICORNS
1 in 4 Runners BQ here
Ranked the #5 Fastest Boston Qualifier Course in the United States by FindMyMarathon
Designed for PRs. Built for Boston Qualifiers.
Cascade Express is one of the nation’s fastest downhill marathons—engineered for runners chasing a personal best or a Boston Qualifier on a proven, high-performing course.
DOWNHILL SUPER SERIES:
Part of the Downhill Super Series—featuring some of the fastest Boston Qualifier courses in the United States.
COURSE:
A controlled early pace followed by sustained downhill creates ideal conditions for negative splits and strong finishes.
Pacers are available to help you stay on target and execute your race plan.
The point-to-point course follows the Palouse to Cascades Trail with a smooth, consistent downhill profile ideal for sustained pacing and fast finishes.
- Total downhill: 1,414 ft
- Net downhill: 1,247 ft
- No Boston Marathon time penalty
WHY RUNNERS CHOOSE CASCADE EXPRESS:
✔️ Smooth, runnable downhill (no steep drops)
✔️ Proven Boston Qualifier course
✔️ USATF-certified & accurately measured
✔️ Scenic Cascade views + iconic Snoqualmie Tunnel section
✔️ Fully supported (aid stations, shuttles, drop bags)
What Our Runners Say
“Cascade express marathon 2025- This race was a gem. The course had some of the most breathtaking views, quiet, scenic, and fast. Big shoutout to Jess and Sabrina for being super responsive with my pre-race questions. Aid stations were spot-on. Volunteers held blue-striped cups for water, which made it easy to pick. Gatorade was available too, but I appreciated the clarity, no guessing, no fumbling...oh the best part - I am going to Boston because of this marathon” -- Biswanath
“Smooth packet pickup, nice race shirt medal and bag, good weather, aid stations every 2 miles! Qualified for Boston at Cascade! The people working this event were very kind! Thanks for having me in your great state of Washington!” Courtney
“I have run many Run Super Series events over the past year and have had a great time at each one. They are all very well planned, coordinated, and executed. You can tell that they care about your experience and put in the effort to make sure you have a great time!” - Justin
EXPERIENCE:
A professionally produced, runner-focused race—from seamless transportation logistics to reliable on-course support and a fast, fair racing environment.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Chip timing with live results & splits
- Finisher medal + technical race shirt
- Fully stocked aid stations
- Ample parking near the race start
- Shuttle transportation from finish to start
- Drop bag service
- Experienced race management & medical support
CERTIFICATION:
Marathon (Boston Qualifier) – USATF WA25021RMB
Half Marathon – USATF WA25023RMB
Register now and lock in your BQ attempt.
Race Details & Logistics:
Full course details, schedules, packet pickup information, transportation logistics, and FAQs are provided below to help you plan your race weekend.
Visit the official race website for full race details, course maps, and race weekend information:
CASCAE E|XPRESS MARATHON
Course Profiles and Maps
Marathon Course Profile
1414 feet gentle total downhill loss!! And 1247 feet net loss! NO BQ time penalty!!
Get the flat 10 miles out of the way at Hyak by running away from the Tunnel for an out and back along a beautiful Lake.
Runners catch their pace prior to entering the 2.4 mile tunnel, which if your pace isn't locked in can be thrown with the GPS not being accurate.
Runners are also spread out prior to entering the tunnel. USATF certified.
Half Marathon Course Profile and Map
The race begins at the Hyak Trail Head at Palouse to Cascades State Park. It enters the famous Snoqualmie Tunnel after only half a mile. You will run through the 2.4 mile tunnel emerging into the heart of the Cascade Mountains. From there, you have 1000’ of gentle downhill descent as you glide across railroad tressels, past waterfalls and take in the endless mountain vistas! USATF certified.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup is on Friday, the day before the race, at Snoqualmie Running. Timing TBD. Snoqualmie Running is at 38843 SE Newton St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065.
The goal is to have most everyone pick up their bib the day before. We can't accommodate race day bib pickup for everyone, it would take too long and the race would start late. That is why we offer the nice long window on Friday. However, if it is absolutely not possible to pick up your bib on Friday, you can ADD-ON race morning bib pickup in your registration for $25. Fees go to our non-profit partner. Here's how to do it:
To add on race morning bib pickup:
1. Click on “Manage Registration” from your RunSignup account or from your email confirmation.
2. Click on the “Add Ons” button (either in drop down menu or upper right hand corner of screen)
3. Select “Pick Up Your Bib Race Morning” and pay for that option.
4. You have until end-of-day on Friday of race week to add on this option. After that, bibs are finalized and cannot be switched from packet pickup the day before to race morning. Thank you!
Race Weekend Schedule
Marathon Race Schedule
FRIDAY
Packet Pickup at Snoqulamie Running in Snoqualmie WA. Time TBD.
SATURDAY
Parking Lots Opens: 6:00 AM
Race Start: 7:00 AM
Finish Line Cut-off: 2:00 PM
Finish Line to Parking Shuttles: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
BRING A HEADLAMP FOR THE TUNNEL
Half Marathon Race Schedule
FRIDAY
Packet Pickup at Snoqualmie Running in Snoqualmie WA, timing TBD
SATURDAY
Parking Lots Opens: 6:30 AM (note the marathon starts at 7am)
Race Start: 7:30 AM
Finish Line Opens: 8:30 AM
Finish Line Cut-off: 11:30 AM
Finish Line to Parking Shuttles: 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
BRING A HEADLAMP FOR THE TUNNEL
Marathon Race Info
Packet Pick-up & Day of Registration:
There is packet pickup on Friday at Snoqualmie Running in Snoqualmie WA, time TBD. If you can't make it, you can add-on day-of packet pickup to your registration for $25.
Parking:
Free parking near the start line is available at the Summit I-90 Ski Area. It is about a 10 minute walk from the free parking area to the start line. Parking is available at the Hyak Trailhead for a $10 day use fee or free for Washington Discover Pass holders.
Finish Line:
Homestead Valley Trailhead. Dropped pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3KafprcBMz6gLsHY7 Milwaukee Rd, North Bend, WA
Shuttle Buses:
Runners will be bused back to the start line parking areas from the finish line. Buses will run every 30-45 minutes starting around 10 AM.
Pacers:
Yes! We will have pacers. Pace times will be updated as the race gets closer.
Spectators:
There is no parking at the finish line. Spectators may park at the start and take a complimentary shuttle to the finish line and return on the shuttle with their runner back to the start.
Half Marathon Race Info
Packet Pick-up & Day of Registration:
Yes! We have packet pickup available on Friday at Snoqualmie Running in Snoqualmie WA. Timing TBD. If you can't make it to Friday packet pickup, you can add-on day-of packet pickup to your registration for $25.
Parking:
Free parking near the start line is available at the Summit I-90 Ski Area. It is about a 10 minute walk from the free parking area to the start line. Parking is available at the Hyak Trailhead for a $10 day use fee or free for Washington Discover Pass holders.
Finish Line:
The Finish Line is located on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, about 1/4 mile from the “Iron Horse Alt Access” Trailhead. Directions from the start line to finish line are below:
From Hyak: From Hyak, head out of parking lot and make a left onto NF-906. At stop sign, make a left onto WA-906 North. Drive 0.4 miles and make a right to follow signs for I-90. Take ramp for I-90 west to Seattle. From I-90 west, take Exit 38 for SE Homestead Valley Road. At the bottom of the ramp, take a left onto SE Homestead Valley Road. Drive under the freeway and then make a right to stay on SE Homestead Valley Road. You will see a dirt road on your left about 0.2 miles after making the left. Park anywhere along SE Homestead Valley road and walk up the dirt road about 1 mile. When you get to the Iron Horse Trail crossing (you will see a somewhat cleared parking area with large metal gates on either side of the road where the trail crosses), go left onto the Iron Horse Trail. The finish line is located about 0.2 miles from the gate. DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE UP THE DIRT ROAD TO PARK CLOSER! THIS IS A RUNNER SAFETY ISSUE!
From Seattle/North Bend: From Seattle or North Bend, take I-90 eastbound. From I-90 east, take Exit 38 for SE Homestead Valley Road. At the bottom of the ramp, take a right and follow SE Homestead Valley Road for 1.8 miles. After 1.8 miles you will see a dirt road on your right (if you reach the I-90 ramp or drive under I-90 you went too far). Park anywhere along SE Homestead Valley road and walk up the dirt road about 1 mile. When you get to the Iron Horse Trail crossing (you will see a somewhat cleared parking area with large metal gates on either side of the road where the trail crosses), go left onto the Iron Horse Trail. The finish line is located about 0.2 miles from the gate. DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE UP THE DIRT ROAD TO PARK CLOSER! THIS IS A RUNNER SAFETY ISSUE!
Shuttle Buses:
Runners will be bused back to the start line parking areas from the finish line. Buses will run every 45 minutes starting around 9:15 AM. Please note the bus pick-up location is about 1.2 miles from the finish line. Don’t worry about the walk though! It’s all downhill and will serve as a nice shakeout to stretch the legs!
Pacers:
Yes! We will have pacers. Pace times will be updated as the race gets closer.
Spectators:
There is no parking at the finish line. Spectators may park at the start and take a complimentary shuttle to the finish line and return on the shuttle with their runner back to the start.
USATF Sanctioned
All Run Super Series events are USATF sanctioned.
2026 Medal!
Downhill Super Series
BQ or PR at the Fastest Nationally Ranked Courses
#5, #22, #35
Abbott World Age Group Qualifier
Contact Form
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Event Location
Homestead Valley Trail Head
Homestead Valley Trailhead
Milwaukee Rd
North Bend, WA 98045 US
View Location on Map
