How do I register for the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon?

Registration is open to anyone and opens February 13, 2026. It closes when the race fills, so sign up early. Entry is $159 and includes your bib, finisher shirt, medal, nine aid stations, drop bag service, and shuttle transportation to the start.

Is the course a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is USATF certified and a Boston qualifier. A large share of finishers meet the BQ standard, reflecting the significant net downhill profile.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is a net downhill point-to-point, losing around 870 feet overall from the tunnel start to the finish in North Bend. The descent is steepest in the early miles, so pacing conservatively off the start is important to protect your legs.

What should I expect for race-day weather in June?

Temperatures typically range from the upper 40s to the mid-50s at race time, with a real chance of rain. The tunnel start can feel surprisingly cool, and conditions can shift by the time you reach the finish. Bring a light layer you can shed or stash in your drop bag.

How big is the field?

The race sees around 500 finishers, keeping it relatively small and low-key. You won't be dealing with crowded early miles or long aid station lines.

Are there other race dates if June doesn't work for me?

Yes. The same course runs on three dates in 2026: June 7, August 9, and September 13. Each is a separate event, so you can pick the date that fits your training calendar.

Jun 2027 · est.North Bend, WASince 2007

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

A point-to-point descent through the Cascade foothills, where you run out of a railroad tunnel and spend the rest of the race riding the grade down to North Bend. Cool, quiet, and fast when you run it right.

Net downhillOpenBQ Hotbed

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LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL · US

Light at the End of the Tunnel

JUN 2027

estimated

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Race Overview

EST. 2007

The race starts inside a railroad tunnel in the Cascades. You literally run toward a pinhole of daylight at the far end, and when you come out the other side the course drops away in front of you toward North Bend. It's a strange and genuinely cool way to start a marathon. The next 25-plus miles follow the old rail grade down the valley, mostly tree-lined, quiet, and fast. The net drop is significant. But don't treat it like a free ride from mile one. The early downhill miles feel effortless and that's exactly when people get into trouble. Run the first half with discipline and you'll have something left for the flat finish stretch.

This is a legitimate BQ-hunting course. A huge share of finishers qualify, which tells you something about the layout and the crowd it attracts. The field is small enough that you won't be fighting for space. Weather is the main variable. June mornings up here can be cold and damp at the tunnel start, and it's sometimes warmer by the time you reach town, so layer smart and be ready for anything. Registration is open, no lottery, and there are three dates on the same course across the summer if June doesn't work for you. If your legs are ready, this course will do its part.

Field size

~500

500 finishers

BQ rate

42%

Among the highest in the US

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:25:01

Grant Martin

2024

Women

2:42:46

Chelsea Barr

2022

The Course

267 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑267 ft

Total descent

↓1,137 ft

Net elevation

↓870 ft

Highest point

2,603 ft

Lowest point

521 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

The course drops nearly 900 feet net over 26.2 miles, making it one of the more aggressive descenders in the Pacific Northwest. The high point sits above 2,600 feet at the tunnel exit; from there the course loses elevation steadily with only 267 feet of cumulative gain across the whole route. The descent is front-loaded, so quads absorb significant braking stress early. Runners chasing PRs should resist opening too fast on the downhill miles and stay controlled through the middle stretch to protect their legs for the flatter final miles near North Bend. Surface and exposure shift as you leave the tunnel environment, so dress for cool, potentially wet conditions at the start and be ready for it to warm slightly by the finish.

DIFFICULTYFLATPR-FRIENDLYYES

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

47°F

High

56°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Early June in the Cascades means cool and often damp conditions. You'll likely start in the low-to-mid 40s inside the tunnel, which is a bit of a shock if you're not dressed for it, and temps outside stay mild through the finish. It's the kind of morning that rewards a throwaway layer at the start. The cool air generally works in your favor on a downhill course like this, so conditions tend to support a fast day rather than fight one.

Entry

OPEN

Registration opens February 13, 2026. Three race dates offered: June 7, August 9, and September 13, 2026 on the same course. Marathon entry is $159 and includes bib, finisher shirt and medal, 9 aid stations, drop bag service, shuttle transportation.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

SEA

25 mi

from the start

≈ 39 min transferEasy transfer

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into SEA, about 25 miles from the start, an easy transfer by rideshare or transit, roughly a 39-minute trip. Stay close to the start in North Bend, WA so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.

Frequently Asked

7 questions

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