Yakima River Canyon Marathon
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Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon (March 28, 2026)
The event offers a Marathon and a Half Marathon on a USATF certified, point-to-point course along Washington State Route 821 between Ellensburg and Selah, WA. The marathon is a Boston-qualifying course. The half marathon field is limited to 200 entries because of bus logistics. Registration opens September 30, 2025; marathon and half marathon entry fees increase after Feb. 28 and entries may be deferred to the following year if requested by Feb. 28. Entry is non-refundable and includes a T-shirt, race-day transportation if needed, a finisher medal, and a finisher’s certificate.
Course, logistics and support
The marathon start is in Ellensburg and follows the Yakima River downstream to rural Selah, with two loops near the start, two major hills, many curves, asphalt road surface, and a long downhill that produces a net elevation loss of a few hundred feet into Yakima Valley orchard and ranch country. The half marathon starts at the marathon 13.1-mile mark and is point-to-point; half-marathon participants are bused to the start and there are no early starts for that event. Drop bags are accepted at designated vehicles or buses and will be supervised. Aid stations occur every 2-3 miles with water, Powerade, and basic medical supplies; medical personnel and restrooms are available. The course enforces a seven-hour open window and participants not finished by course closure will be transported off course. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers and in five-year age divisions through 85+. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.