Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
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
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Snoqualmie Tunnel (2.3-mile former rail tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass)
Palouse to Cascades Trail (historic Milwaukee Road rail grade)
Hyak Sno-Park start/finish shuttle hub
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Hyak Sno-Park, Snoqualmie Pass, WA, USA
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
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).
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.

