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Yakima River Canyon Marathon

Ellensburg, WA
Saturday, April 3, 2027


  4 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
This net downhill, point-to-point Yakima Canyon Marathon course is exceptionally scenic as it offers spectacular views of the Yakima River Canyon.

The course starts on Canyon Road .2 mile south of the Berry Road intersection in Ellensburg, Washington. After two loops, it proceeds directly south to the canyon. There are two major hills and many curves as the course follows the Yakima River downstream on the asphalt surfaced highway. The long downhill just before the finish in rural Selah, Washington, near the canyon’s mouth contributes to the net elevation loss of a few hundred feet as it brings the runners to the Yakima Valley orchard and ranch country.

Although the marathon course loses about 250 feet from the start to mile 22. It quickly gains the elevation back on the large hill that ends near mile 23. The course then loses all the elevation from that hill and more to the finish. There is also a sizable hill when you leave he river near mile 14.

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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Saturday, April 3, 2027
2026: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 45°F (7°C)
Average High: 59°F (15°C)
Average Low: 30° F (-1°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.67
Course Score: 98.67

Race Size

2026: 190 Finishers
2025: 122 Finishers
2024: 65 Finishers
2023: 77 Finishers
2022: 107 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 10.5%
2025: 3.3%
2024: 12.3%
2023: 9.1%
2022: 15%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 59°F  (15°C)
Low: 37°F  (3°C)

Race Start Conditions

42°F  (6°C)
Humidity: 70%

Clear
NW 6 mph

PR Score

99.32

Course Score

99.32






Yakima River Canyon Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Yakima River Canyon Marathon was the 336th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 418th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 10.5% of Yakima River Canyon Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Yakima River Canyon Marathon ranked 360th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 63rd so far in 2026. In Washington, it ranked 20th in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Yakima River Canyon Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Yakima River Canyon Marathon has a Course Score of 98.67, ranking it as the 273rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 18th fastest marathon course in Washington.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Yakima River Canyon Marathon a PR Score of 98.67. The PR Score ranks the Yakima River Canyon Marathon as the 212th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 17th best marathon for a PR in Washington.

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

Yakima River Canyon Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed273rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 18th fastest marathon course in Washington
Top 60% Nationally#18 of 25 in Washington
PR Potential212th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 17th best marathon for a PR in Washington
Top 46% Nationally#17 of 25 in Washington
Boston Qualifier Rate360th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 20th highest BQ percentage in Washington
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 76% Nationally#20 of 24 in Washington
Race Size336th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 20th largest marathon in Washington
Based on 2025 results
Top 57% Nationally#20 of 32 in Washington

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 1499 feet (457m)
Min Elevation: 1174 feet (357m)

Elevation Gain: 779 feet (237m)
Elevation Loss: 1071 feet (326m)


Yakima

Course updated 03/22/2026




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Race Reviews


4.0
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great Small-town Feel

Full Review:

The race was put together extremely well from start to finish. It had that small town, local feel that made it really enjoyable and welcoming. Everything felt thoughtfully planned and easy to follow. There were plenty of aid stations along the way, volunteers were helpful and supportive, and the course was clearly marked the whole time. Road closures were handled well, which made it feel safe and smooth throughout.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful and added a lot to the overall experience. That said, this course is not easy. The hills are legit and come at you more than you might expect. On top of that, the constant tilt of the road makes it even more challenging on your legs over time. It definitely pushes you and requires some effort to get through.

Even with the difficulty, it was a really rewarding race. It is the kind of course that challenges you but also makes you glad you showed up and finished. Definitely worth it.

Race Tips:

Be ready for some big climbs at some unfortunate times.
Reviewed by JD VDHoeven About 2026

Beautiful course!!

Full Review:

The views were outstanding and the rice well organized with excellent aid stations and support!! Very pleased!!

Race Tips:

The morning is super cold but warms up quickly. Be prepared to start with cold weather gear and then shed some layers. The wind through the canyon can be brutal!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Book your hotel early!!
Reviewed by Julie Schmitt About 2022

Full Review:

It has a really neat small-town feel. Think if your grandma put on a marathon, Yakima is what it might be like. Lots of Marathon Maniacs were there, and the organizers (Bob and Lenore Dolphin, in their 80's) make a huge deal of anyone running their first, or 100th, marathon. And Kathrine Switzer was at the race festivities the whole weekend, with her husband, Roger Robinson! It was awesome. (this section is why I give this a "probably" recommendation)

Race Tips:

I would absolutely NOT recommend this as a PR or BQ course to anyone. The hill at mile 13 was OK, but the 200+' continuous hill over maybe 1.5 miles starting at mile 22, was a soul-crusher. If this helps at all, my average pace ended up at 7.23 for the entire marathon, but mile 22 was 7.38 and then 23 was 8.45. Also, the camber (tilt) of the road was painful to me from about mile 8 and onward. Finally, there can be wind in the canyon, definitely was some yesterday. (if you are concerned with a PR or BQ, I would say "definitely not!" recommendation)

Travel/Logistics Tips:

There are a cluster of hotels in Ellensburg, near the Days Inn. (race HQ) Any of those would probably work, and give you a 10 min walk to the start. I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Ellensburg, and it was pretty good. If you stay in Yakima, it requires a 6:00 a.m. race morning bus, which I did not want to do.
Reviewed by PT About 2014

Full Review:

The course is beautiful. The scenery is second to none. However, this race, although technically downhill, is terribly hilly. The course follows the water so the roads are windy, crested and have many hills. Just be careful and plan for lots of hills.

Race Tips:

I am not sure you know what to expect in late March/ early April. The day I ran it snowed, rained, was sunny. Pacing.. I would recommend a conservative, safe pace until mi 13 and see how you feel.
Reviewed by BJ About 2012