HalfRuns
Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Race Date

Sep 12, 2026

Location

North Bend, WA

Solid Pick44

The Experience

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 ftNet downhill: 1,247 ftNo 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 & splitsFinisher medal + technical race shirtFully stocked aid stationsAmple parking near the race startShuttle transportation from finish to start Drop bag serviceExperienced 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

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Tri-blend T-Shirt (size not guaranteed after 8/1)

Start Location

Homestead Valley Trailhead, North Bend, WA, 98045

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Elevation Gain

0'

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles

Course Map

2 other maps for this race

Quality Score

Solid Pick44
Methodology
Heritage10/20

5 years running

Size13/15

~330 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty6/20

6% returning runners

Course & details6/15

2 timing sources · 12 photos

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:20:52

Weather2/10

typical high 71°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

55°

Afternoon (High)

71°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

5 mph

Wind

80%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,521 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,521

Median time

2:09:33

Latest turnout

353

States

19

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:053:55

Turnout by year

20192025

'19'21'22'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

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