The Cascade Express Marathon is one of the fastest marathon courses in the country! This course is one of the top 20 Boston Qualifier Courses in the country with a BQ rate over 34%! Enjoy 26.2 miles of scenic downhill with gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point to point course. This is the ONLY marathon course that features jaw dropping views as you run along Keechelus Lake. With 1500’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time, PR or BQ! 

THE COURSE

The race begins at the Hyak Trail Head at Palouse to Cascades State Park. The first five miles are an out and back section that offer flat terrain and jaw dropping views. Catch your pace along Keechelus Lake on this section and settle into your running groove on the smooth trail. At Mile 5.2 you will enter the famous 2.4 mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel. As you exit the tunnel, you are greeted with yet some more stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. From there, you have 1500’ of gentle downhill descent over the final 17 miles as you glide across railroad tressels, past waterfalls and take in the endless mountain vistas! USATF certification number is 17WA029RMB.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

Parking Lots Opens: 5:30 AM
Packet Pick-up and Registration: 5:45 AM - 6:45 AM
Pre-race Briefing: 6:55 AM
Race Start: 7:00 AM
Finish Line Opens: 9:30 AM
Finish Line Cut-off: 2:00 PM
Finish Line to Parking Shuttles: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM running every 45-60 mins

RACE DaY INFO

Packet Pick-up & Day of Registration:
Yes! We have race day packet pick-up and day of registration! No! We do not offer advanced packet pick-up!
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, at the Cedar Falls Trail Head.

Shuttle Buses:
Runners will be bused back to the start line parking areas from the finish line. Buses will run every 45-60 minutes starting around 9:30 AM.

Drop Bags:
Fabric Run Super Series drop bags are provided to all runners! Your bib will include a tag for your bag. Drop your belongings at the start line and we will transport them down to the finish where they will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of their owner.

The important stuff - swag!

We want our runners to only have the best, so we make sure we give you more swag than you can carry (actually, we give you a fabric drop bag so you can carry it all)! All runners receive a custom tech tee, a custom race medal, a fabric Run Super Series Drop Bag, a Run Super Series Water Bottle  and complimentary downloadable race day photos.
Yep, you get all that. You can thank us later!

COURSE SUPPORT

Pacers: The Super Pacers are on hand to take the pressure of your watch. Join the 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45 or 5:00 pace groups and have a good time running your best time!

Aid Stations:
The marathon will have 12 aid stations. All aid stations will have water and Gatorade. Aid stations 6, 9 & 11 will have Gu gels in assorted flavors (both caffeinated and non-caffeinated).
#1 - Mile 2
#2 - Mile 4
#3 - Mile 5.2 (tunnel entrance)
#4 - Mile 8 (tunnel exit)
#5 - Mile 10
#6 - Mile 12 - Gu
#7 - Mile 14
#8 - Mile 16
#9 - Mile 18 - Gu
#10 - Mile 20
#11 - Mile 22 - Gu
#12 - Mile 24

Bathrooms: There multiple bathroom facilities on the course. Public restrooms on the trail are located at Mile 0.3 (parking lot off trail), Mile 1.5, Mile 3.5, Mile 4.7 (parking lot off trail), Mile 5.2 (Hyak parking lot), Mile 7.7 (tunnel exit), Mile 13.5 (left side of trail), Mile 18.5 (Porta Potties at Garcia Road), Mile 20.5 (Porta Potties at Rock Climbing Area) and the Finish Line.

Search and Rescue:
Pierce County SAR 4x4 will be monitoring the course via ATV to assist runners with any issues or injuries.

Medical:
Medics are on-site at the finish line.

Race timing & CUT OFFs

The marathon will be chip timed. Runners have 7 hours to complete the race. Official timing concludes at 2:00 PM. We do not offer an early start option.

FINISH LINE fun massage

SPECTATORS

Since our course is somewhat remote and epically beautiful, there are few locations where spectators can easily access the trail to watch their runner. For the marathon, we recommend you hang out at the start line after the race, as you will get to see your runner come back through here at Mile 5. For mid-course viewing, the best location with easy access is at Mile 18.5 where the trail crosses Garcia Road (see directions below). This involves a mile drive up a bumpy dirt forest service road so be aware! Don’t linger for too long, you will want to get down to Cedar Falls Trailhead to watch your runner make a super fast finish!

REFUND AND DEFERRAL POLICY

All registrations to Run Super Series Races are final. We do not offer refunds, transfers or deferral of race entries under any circumstances.