EN/ES

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Hyak Sno-Park, Snoqualmie Pass, WA, USA
Jun 7, 2026 at 7:00 AM

The Lowdown

The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon is a point-to-point downhill trail marathon that starts at Hyak Sno-Park near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, and follows the historic Palouse to Cascades Trail (the old Milwaukee Road rail grade) on packed gravel with an average 2.2% decline. The signature feature is the Snoqualmie Tunnel, a headlamp-lit passage of more than two miles carved through the Cascades, followed by a scenic descent past waterfalls and old-growth forest. The course drops roughly 1,000 feet net and is USATF-certified, making the marathon a Boston Qualifier with no time penalty. Run by Team Tunnel since 2014, the race is one of three annual editions held on the same course (June, August, and September); this is the original spring edition. The 2026 running followed an alternate, fully permitted route after storm damage closed part of the traditional trail. Finishers are bussed back to Hyak, and a half marathon option shares the same tunnel start. The 2026 edition took place June 7; the next edition's date had not yet been announced as of this writing.

Race Day

Weather Forecast

🌥️
summer
cool

Elevation

Terrain Profile

⛰️

Relatively flat course

Participants

Field Size

🏃
600RUNNERS

Intimate field

Crowd Rating

Spectator Support

👋
3/ 10

Moderate spectator support

Boston Qualifier

This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Course Highlights
1

Snoqualmie Tunnel (2.3-mile former rail tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass)

2

Palouse to Cascades Trail (historic Milwaukee Road rail grade)

3

Hyak Sno-Park start/finish shuttle hub

Race Weekend

Other distances available during the event weekend:

Half Marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1 km)
Destination

Hyak Sno-Park, Snoqualmie Pass, WA, USA

US

Est. Hotel Cost
$150/ night

Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line

Minimum Age
18years
Time Limit
6.5 hours

Eligibility

  • Must meet the event minimum age requirement
  • Headlamp required for the Snoqualmie Tunnel section

Required Documents

  • Photo ID for bib pickup

Entry Methods

  • Online registration via UltraSignup or tunnelmarathon.com

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Review the official Tunnel Marathons cancellation/deferral policy before registering

Course surface is packed gravel rail trail; net downhill grade makes it a fast, popular Boston Qualifier attempt race.

Part of the three-race 'Tunnel Marathons' series run by Team Tunnel (June/August/September editions on the same course).

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Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Community Reviews

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