Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon
- Date
- September 12, 2026
- Distance
- Cascade Express Marathon · Cascade Express Half Marathon
From the Organizer
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
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
65°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cedar Lake, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
About North Bend, WA
Elevation
499 ft
Nearest Airport
BFI
King County International Airport - Boeing Field · 26 mi
Major Hub
SEA
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
96
Days to train
- Race
- Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon
- Date
- September 12, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near North Bend, WA
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
- Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon is a running race held in North Bend, Washington on September 12, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
- Saturday, September 12, 2026 in North Bend, Washington at Homestead Valley Trailhead, North Bend, WA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Cascade Express Marathon & Half Marathon
Sep 12, 2026