Tunnel Light Marathon & Half
- Date Sun 13th September 2026
- Location Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the Tunnel Light Marathon & Half, taking place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the stunning Snoqualmie Pass in Kittitas, Washington. This iconic marathon and half marathon promises a fast and scenic course, featuring approximately 1,000 feet of net downhill elevation drop, making it an ideal opportunity for runners to set personal records or qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon.
Participants will be treated to breathtaking views as they navigate through the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel and along a smooth, packed gravel surface surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on safety and professional organization, the event guarantees a memorable experience, complete with chip timing, custom race bibs, finishers' shirts and medals, and post-race festivities. Don't miss out on this chance to run through one of the fastest courses in the country—mark your calendars for September 13, 2026, and prepare to find your light at the end of the tunnel!
Participants will be treated to breathtaking views as they navigate through the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel and along a smooth, packed gravel surface surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. With a focus on safety and professional organization, the event guarantees a memorable experience, complete with chip timing, custom race bibs, finishers' shirts and medals, and post-race festivities. Don't miss out on this chance to run through one of the fastest courses in the country—mark your calendars for September 13, 2026, and prepare to find your light at the end of the tunnel!
Organiser's Description
Tunnel Marathon & Half Marathon-Fast. Scenic. Boston Built. Iconic. Unforgettable.
The Tunnel Marathons deliver one of the fastest marathon & half marathon experiences in the country. With a steady downhill grade and low starting elevation, this course is engineered for speed an ideal opportunity to set a Personal Record, earn a Boston Qualification (marathon), or run your first race.
From the moment you enter the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel to the final miles surrounded by mountain views, waterfalls, and crisp Washington air, the Tunnel Marathons are as breathtaking as they are fast. The Tunnel Marathon & Half Marathon offers one of the fastest and most unique race experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
2026 Course Update
Due to severe storm damage, the 2026 event will follow an alternate, fully permitted route.
The 2026 course will:
-Remain fast and scenic
-Features approximately 1,000 feet of net elevation drop (marathon & Half)
-USATF-certified, and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier
While the finish differs from the traditional course, the spirit of the Tunnel Marathons remains unchanged a smooth downhill rail trail, stunning Pacific Northwest scenery, and the unforgettable run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel.
A Proven Boston Qualifier (Marathon)
The original marathon course ranked in the Top 10 nationwide for Boston Qualifiers (Runners World and RaceRaves) and has helped more than 42% of participants earn a BQ. In 2026, expect the same professional organization, safety standards, and fast course design that define the Tunnel experience. Come run fast. Come run iconic. Come find your light at the end of the tunnel.
We offer three races; choose your day:
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon & Half June 7, 2026
Tunnel Vision Marathon & Half August 9, 2026
Tunnel Light Marathon & Half September 13, 2026
Built for Speed:
-Approximately 1,000 feet of net downhill
-Smooth, packed gravel surface (road or light trail shoes work well)
Registration Includes:
-Professional chip timing
-Custom race bib
-Finishers shirt and medal
-Post-race food and festivities
-Shuttle transportation back to Hyak Sno-Park
Shuttle & Finish:
After finishing at Garcia Trailhead, runners will enjoy a scenic one-mile walk down Forest Service Road 9020 to the shuttle buses. Shuttles return participants to Hyak for celebration and refreshments.
What to Know:
-Headlamps are required for the Snoqualmie Tunnel
-Course surface is packed gravel
-Aid stations every 23 miles with water, electrolytes, first aid, and Honey Stinger gels at select locations
The Tunnel Marathons deliver one of the fastest marathon & half marathon experiences in the country. With a steady downhill grade and low starting elevation, this course is engineered for speed an ideal opportunity to set a Personal Record, earn a Boston Qualification (marathon), or run your first race.
From the moment you enter the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel to the final miles surrounded by mountain views, waterfalls, and crisp Washington air, the Tunnel Marathons are as breathtaking as they are fast. The Tunnel Marathon & Half Marathon offers one of the fastest and most unique race experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
2026 Course Update
Due to severe storm damage, the 2026 event will follow an alternate, fully permitted route.
The 2026 course will:
-Remain fast and scenic
-Features approximately 1,000 feet of net elevation drop (marathon & Half)
-USATF-certified, and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier
While the finish differs from the traditional course, the spirit of the Tunnel Marathons remains unchanged a smooth downhill rail trail, stunning Pacific Northwest scenery, and the unforgettable run through the Snoqualmie Tunnel.
A Proven Boston Qualifier (Marathon)
The original marathon course ranked in the Top 10 nationwide for Boston Qualifiers (Runners World and RaceRaves) and has helped more than 42% of participants earn a BQ. In 2026, expect the same professional organization, safety standards, and fast course design that define the Tunnel experience. Come run fast. Come run iconic. Come find your light at the end of the tunnel.
We offer three races; choose your day:
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon & Half June 7, 2026
Tunnel Vision Marathon & Half August 9, 2026
Tunnel Light Marathon & Half September 13, 2026
Built for Speed:
-Approximately 1,000 feet of net downhill
-Smooth, packed gravel surface (road or light trail shoes work well)
Registration Includes:
-Professional chip timing
-Custom race bib
-Finishers shirt and medal
-Post-race food and festivities
-Shuttle transportation back to Hyak Sno-Park
Shuttle & Finish:
After finishing at Garcia Trailhead, runners will enjoy a scenic one-mile walk down Forest Service Road 9020 to the shuttle buses. Shuttles return participants to Hyak for celebration and refreshments.
What to Know:
-Headlamps are required for the Snoqualmie Tunnel
-Course surface is packed gravel
-Aid stations every 23 miles with water, electrolytes, first aid, and Honey Stinger gels at select locations
Races
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Location
NF-906, Hyak Dr E, Snoqualmie Pass, 98068, WA, United States
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Tunnel Light Marathon & Half
