The fastest Fall marathon. Top 20 marathons in the U.S. One of four “marathons to build your vacation around.” Top 10 Most Scenic and Fastest Marathons. These are just a few of the things that Runner’s World said about the St. George Marathon.
For those who have run it, it is a truly unforgettable experience. The drive to run a marathon aside, the path and vistas the marathon traverses are incomparable. This October race not only showcases the amazing landscape around St. George, it is also the region’s most beautiful month. In addition to incredible fall colors, the temperatures will be very agreeable. The temperature at the start line ranges between 38 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit. At the finish line, you’ll experience temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees.
The St. George Marathon itself is always on the first Saturday of October, falling on October 7 this year. But the fun doesn’t begin there. All weekend long, there are events and entertainment for guests of all ages.
Marathon Expo
An expo with vendors is a big part of race weekend. This year, the Altra Zero Drop Health & Fitness Expo will be held. This is an all-day event that will last from 9 am to 9 pm on Friday, October 6. This is the time that runners may come and pick up their packet. Among multiple businesses, vendors, and their booths, there will be clinics and a keynote address.
Keynote Address
This year’s keynote address will be given by 1968 Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot. In addition to winning the Marathon, Burfoot has run the race 20 times. He has participated in many other races around the world, including having run in the Manchester Thanksgiving Day race every day since 1963.
Burfoot will speak on two occasions on October 6, at 11 am and 2 pm.
Pre-Race & Other Clinics
The day before the race there will be several clinic options for runners. This includes the First-Timer’s Clinic at 1 pm and 3 pm and the Clif Bar Pace Team Q&A at 5 pm. Both these events will occur at the Dixie Center Garden Room.
Intermountain Sports Medicine will also present Pre-Race Clinics, which comprise of St. George Marathon Pre-Race Lectures. These lectures will take place at the Dixie Regional Health & Performance Center.
Pasta Dinner
Load up on carbs the night before with an all-you-can-eat pasta dinner at the Dixie Convention Center. The dinner will run from 4 pm to 8 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. This will be a great opportunity to mingle with other runners and enjoy some delicious pasta!
I Am Able
I Am Able is a “run, walk, or roll event for persons with disabilities of all ages.” It will take place Friday evening at 6 pm at Vernon Worthen Park. This inclusive event has two available distances: 1-mile and 200-meter. For the safety of the participants, each one must have a person without disabilities assisting them.
Wheelchairs are acceptable for this event.
Move It! Kids’ Run
This all-kids racing event takes place directly after the I Am Able event. Parents aren’t allowed, but there will be mentors available to help any children that need it. This event will also take place at Vernon Worthen Park, and also includes 1-mile and 200-meter distance options.
Following the Move It! Kids’ Run and I Am Able events, all are invited to the Party in the Park. This family-friendly event will include a live DJ, prizes, bounce houses, and much more. It will begin at 6:30 pm and run until 8 pm.
Mayor’s Walk
Starting off race day is the Mayor’s Walk, hosted by the St. George Exchange Club and sponsored by State Bank of Southern Utah and Planet 94.1. This walk will begin at 6:45 am at Sand Town Park, and walkers must finish by 8:00 am in time for the Wheelchair Division.
St. George Marathon
Then, of course, is the actual marathon itself. Runners must be ready at 6:45 am at the intersection of Snow Canyon Parkway and State Road 18. They will receive free transportation to the starting line, 5,243 feet up the mountain.
The race will begin promptly at 1 pm. Race officials and public safety personnel will monitor the race. They have the right to remove any runners that run the risk of serious or fatal injury.
After the race will be an awards ceremony at the Vernon Worthen Park Gazebo. All who completed the marathon will receive a unique finisher’s medallion.
The top male and female runners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to run in the Ibigawa Marathon/Half Marathon. This will take place Ibigawa, Japan in November 2017.
St. George is proud to host the 41st St. George Marathon this year. Whether you are preparing for big races in the future, or just checking something off your bucket list, this is an incredible opportunity. And be sure, if you need some transportation, to ride with us at St. George Express, a proud sponsor of the marathon. Happy running!