Tunnel Light Marathon & Half Marathon

Hyak, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. Sunday, September 13, 2026. The Tunnel Light Marathon & Half Marathon — one of the fastest marathon and half marathon experiences in the country. Approximately 1,000 feet of net downhill drop on smooth, packed gravel rail trail. Marathon is a Boston Qualifier (USATF‑certified). Run through the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel (headlamp required). Aid stations every 2‑3 miles with water, electrolytes, and Honey Stinger gels. Shuttle transportation from the finish back to Hyak Sno‑Park. Registration opens February 13, 2026. 2026 course uses an alternate route due to storm damage — remains fast and scenic.

Location — Hyak, Snoqualmie Pass, Washington (near North Bend):

• Hyak is a trailhead area at Snoqualmie Pass, about 1 hour east of Seattle, off I‑90
• The course follows the John Wayne Pioneer Trail (Iron Horse State Park) — a packed gravel rail‑trail
• The historic Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.3‑mile, pitch‑dark railroad tunnel built in 1914 (headlamp required)
• The 2026 course uses an alternate route due to severe storm damage but remains fast, scenic, and USATF‑certified

Course — Fast, Downhill, Packed Gravel:

• Approximately 1,000 ft of net elevation drop (marathon and half marathon)
• Smooth, packed gravel surface — road or light trail shoes work well
• Stunning Pacific Northwest scenery: mountain views, waterfalls, crisp air, forests, and river valleys
• Headlamps required for the Snoqualmie Tunnel (the tunnel is dark — no lighting)
• Aid stations every 2‑3 miles with water, electrolytes, first aid, and Honey Stinger gels at select locations
• Finish at Garcia Trailhead, then a scenic one‑mile walk down Forest Service Road 9020 to shuttle buses

Boston Qualifier — One of the Fastest BQ Courses in the Country:

• The original Tunnel Marathon ranked in the Top 10 nationwide for Boston Qualifiers (Runner's World and RaceRaves)
• More than 42% of participants earn a Boston Marathon qualification
• 2026 course maintains the same fast, downhill design

What's Included:

• Professional chip timing
• Custom race bib
• Finisher's shirt (technical fabric)
• Finisher's medal
• Post‑race food and festivities
• Shuttle transportation back to Hyak Sno‑Park (after the finish)
• Aid stations every 2‑3 miles (water, electrolyte, gels, first aid)
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start (transported to finish?) — check event website

Shuttle & Finish — Important Logistics:

• 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 Sno‑Park for celebration and refreshments
• Do not park at the finish — park at Hyak Sno‑Park, take the shuttle to the start, then run back to your car? No — the race is point‑to‑point; you park at the start (Hyak) and are shuttled back after the finish
• Check event website for detailed parking and shuttle instructions

Headlamp Required — Snoqualmie Tunnel:

• The Snoqualmie Tunnel is 2.3 miles long, pitch dark, and unlit
• Headlamps are REQUIRED — no exceptions
• Bring extra batteries (tunnel is long, and your light may dim)
• Some runners also carry a backup headlamp or flashlight

Three Tunnel Marathon Events in 2026 — 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
• Each event has the same fast, downhill course and Boston Qualifier status

Registration — Opens February 13, 2026:

• Registration opens February 13, 2026 (date may be for the 2026 edition? Check event website)
• Closes Sunday, September 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
• No race day registration? Likely not — register online in advance
• No refunds? Not specified — check with race director

Logistics — Parking, Shuttles, Headlamps:

• Parking at Hyak Sno‑Park (start area) — arrive early (limited spaces)
• Shuttles run from finish (Garcia Trailhead) back to Hyak after the race
• No dogs allowed on the course (state park regulations)
• Strollers not permitted
• Headlamp mandatory — no headlamp = no race
• Pacers allowed? Not specified — check event website

What to Bring:

• Headlamp with fresh batteries (mandatory)
• Running shoes (road or light trail shoes are fine — packed gravel surface)
• Hydration pack or handheld bottle (aid stations every 2‑3 miles, but carry your own water)
• Layers (mountain weather can change quickly in September — start temps may be in the 40s, finish in the 60s)
• Rain jacket (just in case — Washington weather is unpredictable)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (the course has exposed sections)

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in Snoqualmie Pass):

• Snoqualmie Pass — hiking, mountain biking, and the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort (summer activities)
• Snoqualmie Falls (30 minutes west) — iconic 268‑ft waterfall, viewing platform, and Salish Lodge
• North Bend — historic downtown, the North Bend Outlet Mall, and the famous "Twin Peaks" diner (Twede's Cafe)
• Mount Si — challenging hike with panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley
• Franklin Falls — easy 2‑mile hike to a waterfall (near the tunnel exit)

Contact: Tunnel Marathons — via UltraSignup.