FAQs
What is the net downhill on this course and is there a BQ time penalty?
The marathon has 1400 feet of net downhill, that's right - NO BQ TIME PENALTY! The half marathon has 800 feet of net downhill for a speedy half marathon PR!
What time do the races start? And what are the cutoffs?
The marathon begins at 7:00AM and the half begins at 7:30AM. The marathon has a 6 hour cutoff and the half has a 3.5 hour cutoff.
When is packet pickup?
Friday, time TBD, at Snoqualmie Running in Snoqualmie, WA Directions. Do not call Snoqualmie Running for race questions, they are the host of packet pickup only, they are not the race organizers.
What if I can't make it to packet pickup on Friday?
If you can’t make it, you can add on race day packet-pickup for $25 (6:00-6:45AM for marathon and 6:45-7:15AM for half marathon at Hyak Trailhead). These fees go towards our race parter and help us avoid late race starts due to long lines.
How do I add race-day packet pickup to my registration?
1. Click on “Manage Registration” from your RunSignup account or from your email confirmation.
2. Click on the “Add Ons” button (either in drop down menu or upper right hand corner of screen)
3. Select “Pick Up Your Bib Race Morning” and pay for that option.
4. You have until end-of-day on Friday of race week to add on this option. After that, bibs are finalized and cannot be switched from packet pickup to race morning. Thank you!
Where is the start of the race?
Hyak Trailhead RACE START
Where is the finish of the race?
The marathon finish is on the Palouse to Cascades trail near Homestead Valley Trailhead MARATHON FINISH NOTE THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE MARATHON FINISH LINE.
The half marathon finish is on the Palouse to Cascades trail at Garcia. HALF FINISH PARKING NOTE PARKING FOR THE HALF FINISH LINE IS ONE MILE AWAY ON HOMESTEAD VALLEY ROAD. Spectators must walk up 1 mile to see finish and participants will walk 1 mile down road after finishing to ride shuttle or other transportation.
Is there a shuttle to the start?
No, participants must get themselves to the start of the race. There is plenty of parking available at and near the start.
Is there a shuttle after the race?
Yes both the marathon and the half have shuttles to take runners back to their car post-race. Marathon shuttles begin around 10:00AM and half marathon shuttles begin around 9:00AM. Shuttles will run about every 30 minutes.
Where do I park at the start?
There is free parking at the Summit Ski Area right near the start of the race. FREE PARKING MORE FREE PARKING. There is paid parking (until it fills up) at Hyak Trailhead, you will need a Discover Pass (or pay $10 for a day-pass) PAID PARKING
Will there be a bag check at the start?
Yes! Bag drops will be available at the start area and will be transported to the finish area. DO NOT PLACE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR DROP BAG - we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. NO PHONES OR KEYS IN DROP BAGS - NO EXCEPTIONS.
Do I need a light for the tunnel?
YES! Absolutely, the tunnel is ~2.4 miles long. You must carry your light with you or you can drop it and donate it for future runners that forget their light. If you drop your light in the bin after the tunnel, you will not get it back, please carry it with you if that matters. We suggest purchasing an inexpensive little flashlight.
Will I lose GPS signal in the tunnel?
The short answer is yes. You will not get a GPS signal in the tunnel and thus the distance on your watch and pace may be inaccurate and not match our mile markers once you exit the tunnel. We are meticulous with our course markings and ensure that our mile markers are dead on to allow you to pace yourself, and we include mile markers inside the tunnel. Please not that most modern GPS watches will still measure distance even without a GPS signal, as most are equipped with accelerometers which can be fairly accurate. Your race directors have run the course with higher end GPS watches and have gotten pretty accurate distances. Always note, GPS is a tool and is never 100% accurate!
What fluids and gels are available?
We offer water and gatorade at every aid station about every 2-2.5 miles. GU gels are along the course at a few aid stations.
Are headphones allowed?
Yes, but please use only a single earbud at a low volume or bone conduction headphones are fine.
What is included in my registration fee?
Your registration fee includes entry to the race, a custom medal, a tech shirt, a Run Super Series drawstring bag, downloadable race photos, hydration stations and professional timing services.
What is the refund policy?
Our refund policy is strict: no refunds, transfers, or deferrals, including switching to other races or other runners. This policy ensures fairness and supports essential race elements like permits, traffic control, medals, insurance, and facilities. We do check ID’s at bib pickup as it is an insurance liability as well as a fast course for placing for a BQ or age group award. Be cool. Run with your bib.
Can my friends and family come watch?
Spectators are welcome to cheer runners at the start. Stay at the start to cheer on the marathoners when they return from the out-n-back. Otherwise, on course isn’t the easiest to access and spots are limited to view due to the remote trail. Spectators can park on Homestead Valley Road and walk 1 mile up to the half finish line to cheer on their runner. Note this is also mile 23 of the marathon and spectators can cheer on marathoners there too. Spectators must NOT drive up to the half finish line, this is very important for safety reasons. There is no parking at the marathon finish area.
How will I get my results and race photos?
Results will be posted and professional race photos will be available for download after the event. You can find your photos on your individual Brooksee Timing results page. They will be down at the bottom of the page. We will send you an email with links shortly after the race.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, no. Per USATF rules, dogs are not allowed in the marathon or half.
Are strollers allowed?
No. This is an open course with hard packed gravel including a long dark tunnel, so this is a safety issue for this race. Our other events are a YES!