What is the course like for Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon?

Downhill course on Trail. See the elevation chart on this page for details.

Is Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon USATF certified?

Yes this race is listed as certified.

What are typical race-day temperatures for Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon?

Average ~59F (high 68F / low 50F).

Can I generate a pace band for Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon?

Yes use the Pace Band button on this page to create a course-specific pace band.

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon | Race Info, Course, Elevation & Pace Band

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon was the 105th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 96th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 20.4% of Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 23.1% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon ranked 28th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 17th so far in 2026. In Washington, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 2nd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon has a Course Score of 101.72, ranking it as the 15th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 5th fastest marathon course in Washington.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon a PR Score of 101.38. The PR Score ranks the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon as the 17th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Washington.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Washington for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary

Course Speed15th fastest marathon course in the U.S.

Ranked 5th fastest marathon course in Washington

Top 4% Nationally#5 of 25 in Washington

PR Potential17th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.

Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Washington

Top 4% Nationally#6 of 25 in Washington

Boston Qualifier Rate28th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.

Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Washington

Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results

Top 6% Nationally#5 of 24 in Washington

Race Size105th largest marathon in the U.S.

Ranked 2nd largest marathon in Washington

Based on 2025 results

Top 18% Nationally#2 of 32 in Washington

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.

Race Reviews

4.8

Based on 13 reviews

Write Your Own Review

Where the Oxygen!!

Full Review:

This was my first marathon, specifically chosen for the difficulty of the course but the beauty of it as well. Morning better than a day of suffering in the mountains. The volunteers were all incredibly supporting. Even being back of the pack runner (finishing just over the allotted course time) there was still the same excitement and support for me to cross the finish line as there was for everybody else. And that went a long way for me.

The only negative, and in the scheme of things very small. Being a back of the pack runner, by the time I finished they were wrapping stuff up. There weren’t many amenities left at the finish line (no water, recovery supplement was already gone, etc). This wasn’t a huge problem because I was able to be picked up almost at the finish line and had everything I needed that I brought with me.

Race Tips:

Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of it. At times I was so focused on getting to the finish that I would forget to just be present in the space. My note to future self would be more fuel intake earlier in the race to prepare for mosquito pass. I definitely got behind and that cost me.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at Copper Mountain. I would prefer next time to stay in Leadville. It was just far enough it didn’t make sense for my group to go back to the Airbnb during the race, but also meant a lot of time just kinda hanging out (with two toddlers that’s not the easiest).

We were able to park close to the start line, so I didn’t have to utilize the shuttle the morning of. I would also recommend to probably drive to the bottom of the pass if you are a spectator. From what I was told the shuttle drivers were not the safest.

Reviewed by Jg About 2024

Fast course! 22 minute PR. Findmymarathon race band was the key!

Full Review:

This was an amazing marathon from top to bottom. Great organization, great course, great weather, and great people! Also, I have Findmymarathon to thank for a race band I ordered through them. I knew my Garmin wouldn't give accurate information due to the nature of this course (the tunnel, shaded areas, etc). My gps was way off and by reading many reviews of people whose GPS was off, I knew I had to get a race band. It made a huge impact on my race performance. This marathon was amazing and I'm definitely doing it next year. In fact, it'll be an annual race for me!

Reviewed by Sarah About 2023

Great course, marginal support, super fast course so BQ'ed

Full Review:

The course is beautiful! It was muddy because of the rain the past few days and we had to avoid the puddles. Staff and volunteers were super friendly. All the racers I met were super nice also! The school buses to the start line were fine. The buses wait until full then head up. You can drop off your gear bag right up until race start which is awesome as the start is 10 degrees colder than down at the finish area. The on course support is limited. No trash cans except for at the aid stations (people were throwing stuff by mile maker signs). Limited pacers for the race. They only had 15 port-potties at the start line for 704 registered participants (result show 520 finishers) The line was huge!! There was only 10 aid stations because of access to the course. Lots of snacks and chili at the finish line. Easy gear bag and headlamp pickup at finish area. Shuttle buses take you back as no parking at the finish area. It's a small race, but I would recommend you do it!!

Race Tips:

Absolutely beautiful course and lots of waterfalls. Put your hat on backwards when you start so that your headlamp can shine at your feet. If you enter the tunnel with a group you have plenty of light. Stay in the center of the tunnel for first part as the camber is steeper then becomes mostly flat. Garmin can be way off so get a pace band to keep you on track at the mile markers. Second half of course is faster than first. Even though was tired, extra decline in second half helps. Some aid stations you have to get your own drinks, others volunteers enough to hand them to you. Weather is cooler so even though they recommend you carry water, didn't really need it. It is fairly packed gravel so can use road shoes. (Did get a couple small rocks in my shoes though.) Did I mention that the course is absolutely beautiful!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Rent a car and stay in Issaquah as several decent hotels and lots of food choices. Normally don't like getting to start early but helped this time as only 15 port-potties. Looked like majority of people tried to pick up their packet right at noon so line was long if you weren't early. Packet pickup is outside on sidewalk of Nike store.

Reviewed by to About 2022

Tears up Nike Alphaflys

Full Review:

FYI, I looked at my brand new Nike Alphaflys this morning after wiping the mud off and the trail ripped up the soft foam rubber on the bottom yesterday

Reviewed by to About 2022

Train for the downhill!

Full Review:

Beautiful course. Stunning views of the Cascades and a gorgeous nature trail. The tunnel makes it a unique experience.

Race Tips:

TRAIN FOR THE HILLS. I came, like many other runners, to attempt a BQ. I was on pace through 19 miles and then my legs shut down. I was not at all prepared for how much the downhill would beat up my legs. I did not BQ. I think Iâ€™ll stick with a flat course next time.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed at the race hotel in Issaquah and it was convenient. Our race packets were delivered to the hotel. You will need to rent a car.

Reviewed by Brooke About 2019

The best race ever

Full Review:

I liked everything about this race. Its in the mountains outside of Seattle. It started off cool but there was a bag drop after exiting the tunnel. It is a gradual down hit. It is not a steep as some other down hills. I can not begin to detail all of the beautiful water falls and rivers you run over while all the time going down hill. Truly a great race I will run again.

Race Tips:

Get into and out of the tunnel and just let your legs go. Don't "put on the breaks:. If you train well you will do great at this race.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Make sure you arrive early at the pick up and catch the school bus to the start. There is no parking at the start of the race.

Reviewed by hd About 2019

Best marathon ever!

Full Review:

I have run this marathon twice and both times i have PR and BQed . The weather was great.

Race Tips:

Not a whole lot of port-o-potties on the route. The route is not closed so there are no runners on the course. Be ready to take a school bus to the start.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Air B and B along the way from North Bend to Seattle is the best bet.

Reviewed by hbb About 2019

Fast and beautiful views

Full Review:

Gradual downhill the whole race. Tunnel is crowded at first but spaces out, poor to no service in the tunnel, so you will need to feel comfortable with your pace. Gravel was fairly smooth but at times you need to watch your footing when passing runners. Run over trussels are beautiful but very high. Can be a cooler start due to elevation and wooded areas but you will be warm/hot at the last few miles. Limited crowd support due to access to trail but when you see them it gives you a great energy boost.

Race Tips:

Great for PRs: must uphill and downhill training and good strengthening quads program. I brought my own water pack just to make sure I had water when needed, since first aide station was too busy and would have to stop to pour my water. Flash light and headlamp a must for tunnel, they let you toss them at end of tunnel with name and pick up at end of race, as well as a light jacket. Gaiters are helpful for preventing gravel in your shoes.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We got an Airbnb near the finish line, which was 7 mins from shuttle buses on race morning. There is no expo or packet pick up day before, just morning of so be sure to arrive early.

Reviewed by NJ About 2017

Full Review:

Reviewed by MJ About 2016

Full Review:

Race Tips:

Wear gators.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Hotels in town are inexpensive but are very old and dated.

Reviewed by MB About 2016

Full Review:

The race is well organized, not gimmicky, a runner's race. The scenery was unbeatable, and of course the overall downhill was a plus. I loved it. Definitely in my top 5 favorite marathons!

Race Tips:

I ended up not using, or needing, the gaiters they recommend. I was definitely happy to have my headlamp during the tunnel, and it was not a big deal to bag it and send it to the finish when the tunnel was done.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

We stayed at Hilton Garden Inn Issaquah, very clean and the town is pretty.

Reviewed by AV About 2016

Full Review:

2.3 miles through a pitch dark tunnel, 5 trestle bridges, old railway bed with 2% downhill grade for the entire point to point marathon. Awesome support and food at the end.

Race Tips:

It's sand\gravel\dirt but trail runners aren't necessary. Not technical. Try out the sports drink before hand (it hates me)

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Edgewick Inn in North Bend is cheap, clean and walking distance to the pick up point to bus you to the start line.

Reviewed by Kristie About 2015

Full Review:

One of the coolest courses I've ever run on, this was my first full but I have run several races at other distances, it was fun, fast and beautiful.

Race Tips:

**headlamp** was a big help, utilize drop bags at end of the tunnel to shed everything you don't want to lug down the mountain. MAKE SURE YOU TRAIN ON SOME LONG DOWNHILL RUNS, your quads will thank you

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Show up to the buses early..

Reviewed by Tim Clukey About 2013

Race Day Temperatures	High: 71°F (22°C) Low: 51°F (11°C)
Race Start Conditions	55°F (13°C) Humidity: 80% Clear W 3 mph
PR Score	103.33
Course Score	104.61

Marathon Pace Bands

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Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Race Information

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years

Race Day Temperatures

High: 71°F (22°C)
Low: 51°F (11°C)

Race Start Conditions

55°F (13°C)
Humidity: 80%

Clear
W 3 mph

PR Score

103.33

Course Score

104.61

Elevation Chart

Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Compare the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon to other Marathons

Race Reviews

Marathon Pace Bands

Run the Right Pace in Your Next Marathon

Nearly 500 marathon courses.Ships same or Next Day

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year'sbest marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!

Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Race Information

Weather Averages for Last 13 Years

Race Day Temperatures

High: 71°F (22°C) Low: 51°F (11°C)

Race Start Conditions

55°F (13°C)Humidity: 80%ClearW 3 mph

PR Score

103.33

Course Score

104.61

Elevation Chart

Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon

Compare the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon to other Marathons

Race Reviews

Nearly 500 marathon courses.
Ships same or Next Day

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

High: 71°F (22°C)
Low: 51°F (11°C)

55°F (13°C)
Humidity: 80%

Clear
W 3 mph