Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon

The Yakima River Canyon Marathon and Half-Marathon is a spring road race in central Washington, with point-to-point courses between Ellensburg and Selah. Both races use paved State Route 821 through the Yakima River Canyon, and the marathon course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston qualifier. Race headquarters are at the Selah Civic Center, while the marathon start sits on Canyon Road just south of the Berry Road intersection in Ellensburg. The marathon begins with two loops before heading south into the canyon, then follows the Yakima River downstream on a highway with many curves, two major hills, and a net drop of a few hundred feet before the finish near Selah’s orchard and ranch country. Aid stations are located every 2 to 3 miles with water, Powerade, basic blister supplies, medical support, and restrooms along the course. The course stays open for seven hours, with an approved early start for slower marathoners, though early starters cannot win age-group awards. The half marathon is capped at 200 runners because of bus logistics, while the marathon has no stated participant limit. Finishers receive a medal and certificate, and overall and age-group awards are handed out at the finish line as results come in.