Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon
About this race
Chasing a Boston Qualifier?
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
Pick your distance
Running
Cascade Express Marathon
The Cascade Express Marathon is one of the premier BQ courses in the Pacific Northwest! This course is a scenic and fast Boston Qualifying course. Enjoy 26.2 miles of flat and downhill with a 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 1400’ of gradual total downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time, PR or BQ!
Cascade Express Half Marathon
The Cascade Express Half is one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country! Enjoy 13.1 miles of scenic downhill with a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountains as you glide down the gravel trail on this point-to-point course. This ONLY half marathon course features a run through the famous 2.4-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel. With 800’ of gradual net downhill, we assure you that you will “find your super fast” on the way to a speedy time or a PR!
Typical race-day weather
Based on 3 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in North Bend, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:41 AM and sets at 7:25 PM local time (PDT) in North Bend on September 12, 2026 — 12h 44m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Other races near North Bend
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Snoqualmie Valley Harvest Run
Carnation Turkey Trot
Issaquah Turkey Trot
Issaquah Schools Foundation Monster Mash 5K
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in North Bend
Find upcoming events by distance:
- North Bend Half Marathons 3 races
- Marathons in North Bend 2 races
- North Bend Running Calendar 2026 4 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 6 North Bend events
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