Date
July 26, 2026
Field Size
Medium (500 - 1,999)
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Net downhill of 980ft from the Cascades to the valley floor — one of the steepest legal drops in the U.S.
Trail setting on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, providing natural beauty and isolation.
B.A.A. downhill indexing may apply. For 2027 Boston registration and beyond, certified courses with 1,500+ ft net downhill receive a +5:00 or +10:00 adjustment, and courses with 6,000+ ft net downhill are not eligible.
Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon in North Bend, WA, is a dream come true for those chasing a Boston Qualifier. The course takes advantage of a unique landscape, hurtling down from the Cascade Mountains to the valley, offering one of the most aggressive yet legal downhill profiles in the marathon circuit. This isn't your typical flatland race; it's a gravity-assisted dash with stunning views along the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. However, runners should not take this lightly. This score indicates highly favorable conditions, but it also means you must be strategic and prepared to withstand the quad-pounding descent. Runners will start their journey with a cool breeze and a panoramic view at Hyak. The course weaves through dense forests, with the gentle roar of the mountain streams accompanying you. As the miles peel away, expect minimal crowd support due to the secluded nature of the trail. Hydration stations are well-placed, but personal fueling strategies should be planned, given the remote terrain. For race history enthusiasts, Jack and Jill's was created to be a Boston-qualifying machine. Its growing reputation among marathons highlights its effectiveness and the unique camaraderie among runners who return to tackle its slopes year after year.
BMQR course profile: Downhill.
Begin conservatively as the race kicks off at Hyak; the excitement of the descent can easily lead to an overly aggressive start. Focus on maintaining an even effort rather than pace, as the downhill will naturally increase your speed. Protect your quads by training them to handle the eccentric load; this will be crucial in the latter stages. Stay aware of your form, using the downhill momentum efficiently without over-striding or slamming your feet. Effective pacing and quad resilience are key to securing a Boston Qualifier here.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
74.4°F / 51.2°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.00 in
Wind
6.6 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Warm to hot (65–80°F), humidity varies. Summer racing demands careful heat management and aggressive early hydration; build a conservative first-half plan and let your fitness carry you home.
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