The downhill Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon course is a very fast course and usually one the top Boston Qualifiers. The course is mostly packed gravel on an old railway with an average decline of 2.2%. Runners will also run just over two miles through a tunnel.
How does the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Rank?
The Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon was the 97th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 106th largest in 2022.
This year 39.9% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 41% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon the 9th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 12th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 104.88 ranks it as the 5th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Washington.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon a PR Score of 104.53. This PR Score ranks it as the 5th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Washington.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 2603 feet (793m) Min Elevation: 521 feet (158m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon
View available accomodations around the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon in 5:16:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
Recent Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon Reviews
Sarah's review of 2023 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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!
to's review of 2022 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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!
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.
to's review of 2022 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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
Brooke's review of 2019 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
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 I’ll stick with a flat course next time.
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.
hd's review of 2019 Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
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.
