Yakima River Canyon Marathon Race Info

Date: 3/30/2019

Location: Ellensburg to Selah, WA

Start Time: 8:00am

Avg Temps (f): 58/32

Time Limit: 7 hours

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

Well-organized race, very small town feel
Cambered/tilted road can be difficult and hard on the legs by the end with one leg always running higher than the other
While it’s a net downhill course, the two hills in the middle are challenging, so be prepared for hills, especially the second hill around mile 21
High chance of wind in the canyon, especially since you’re running point to point
Weather can be really variable at the end of March in this area – bring several options!
Have the ability to shed layers along the way in case it warms up as you go
Not the most BQ/PR friendly course because of the hills, but it can still be done, especially if you train with hills.
Be sure to be conservative enough in the first half since the second half has the hills
Not much shade on the course, so bring a hat and/or sunglasses in case the sun is out

Course

Type: Point to Point

Start/Finish Info: From Ellensburg, WA to Selah, WA. There are buses to the start and then back to the start after the finish

Hills: While it’s a net downhill, the course gains ~615 feet along the way, with a sizeable hills around miles 14 and 21, with >150-200+ feet in gain – good course map and elevation profile here.

Course Map/Elevation Profile