Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon

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Ellensburg, Wash., Yakima WA

Saturday, March 28th, 2026

Event Overview

Join us for one of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic Boston Qualifiers. Our marathon and half marathon point to point courses travel through the spectacular Yakima River Canyon on a USATF Certified course along paved Washington State Route 821 between Ellensburg and Selah, WA.

Awards

Overall & Age-Group Awards: We will offer overall and age-group awards this year.
Awards Distribution: Awards will be distributed in real time at the finish line -- check for results at nsplit.com/results.
Categories: Awards will be given to top finishers in all age divisions.

Cutoff Times

Time Limit: Those who feel they cannot complete the race comfortably in seven hours are urged to contact the race director.
Early Start: An early start, two hours before the 8 a.m. regular start, is available for approved participants.
Award Eligibility: Early starters are not eligible for age-group awards.

Price Increase

Deadline: Registration prices increase by $10 after Feb 27.
Online Registration: Registration is online only, and there is no in-person registration on race day or the day before.

Race Deferrals

Deferral Policy: If you decide to defer your entry to next year, the deadline for informing us is Feb. 27.

Half Marathon Participants

Capacity: The half marathon is limited to 200 runners due to logistics involving bus transportation.
Marathon Participants: Currently, there is no limit on marathon participants.

Race Headquarters

Selah Civic Center, 216 South First Street, Selah, Washington.

Entry Includes

Included Items: The (Non-Refundable) Entry includes a T-shirt, race-day transportation (if needed), finisher medal, and a finisher’s certificate.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, March 27th: Packet pickup for the Marathon and Half-Marathon from 3-8 p.m. at the Selah Civic Center.
Saturday, March 28th (Race Day):
- Marathon packet pickup from 6-7:45 a.m. at the Ellensburg Days Inn.
- Half-Marathon packet pickup from 6-7:45 a.m. at the Selah Civic Center.

Course Records, Maps & Descriptions

Course Records: Click Here
Marathon Course Information:
- Start Map – Click Here
- Course Map – Click Here
- Course Profile – Click Here
- Finish Map – Click Here

Marathon Race Start

Use Exit 109 from I-90. Go south past the Buzz Inn and Flying J Truck Plaza. Take the first left onto Berry Road to the race start headquarters at the Days Inn, 901 Berry Road.

Marathon Course Description

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

Personal Gear

Drop bags to go to the Finish Area may be left at the designated vehicle in front of the Days Inn on race morning before 7:45 a.m. Do not place cash or expensive items in the bags.

Course Support

Aid Stations: Aid stations will be located every 2-3 miles.
Medical Aid: Medical personnel and restrooms will be available throughout the race.

Race Finish

Use exit 26 from I-82. There will be bus transportation from the finish area to the Selah Civic Center and to the Best Western Ahtanum Inn.

Course Closure

The course will be open for 7 hours. Runners and walkers who have not finished by 3:00 p.m. will be given rides to the finish area.

Half Marathon Information

Start Map: Click Here
Half Marathon Race Start: The 9:30 a.m. start is at the 13.1 mile marker of the Marathon.
Bus Service: All participants will be bused to the start.
No Early Start: There will be no early starts for the half marathon.

Bus Service

Marathon: Buses will leave at 6:00 a.m. from the Selah Civic Center and Best Western Ahtanum Inn.
Half Marathon: Buses will leave at 8:00 a.m. from the Selah Civic Center and Best Western Ahtanum Inn.

Awards & Divisions

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers as well as to the first three finishers in the age divisions. Awards will be distributed in real time at the finish line.

Lodging, Accommodations & Weather

Yakima, WA:
- Best Western Ahtanum Inn, 2408 Rudkin Rd., 1-800-348-9701.
Ellensburg, WA:
- Days Inn, 901 Berry Road, 1-888-889-9870.
- Comfort Inn, 1722 Canyon Road, (509)925-7037.
Contact Information:
- Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention Bureau – 1-800-221-0751.
- Yakima Chamber of Commerce – (509)248-2021 or Website.