43rd annual St. George Marathon set for Oct. 5; will add St. George 13.1 to festivities in 2020

St. George has a unique way of capturing our hearts whether it’s the red rocks, the arts, the friendliness of our residents or the annual St. George Marathon, set for its 43^rd version the morning of Oct. 5. The marathon is the City’s signature event, having received accolades for a variety of superlatives, including the course itself and the enthusiasm of its more than 1,000 volunteers.

“The marathon would not be the event it has become without the efforts and support of our great community — from the participants, to our City staff and especially the volunteers,” said Leisure Service Director Shane McAffee. “The marathon is such a beautiful reflection of our scenery and the great people that reside here.”

While the 2019 event is set, there will be an exciting addition for 2020 — a half marathon called the St. George 13.1. During the Expo, interested runners can lock in the lowest rate for the St. George 13.1 — $60.

“We’ve noticed throughout the years that marathon runners receive a lot of support from their families. The option of a half marathon may encourage more participation within the family who are already in — or plan to be in — St. George that weekend,” said Michelle Graves, Race Director and Deputy Director of Arts and Events for the City of St. George. “You need not be a participant in this year’s marathon to sign up for the St. George 13.1 — but that $60 rate is only good for the day of the Expo.”

The fun begins Oct. 4 with the Marathon Expo at the Dixie Convention Center. It is free for the public to attend and where runners pick up their packets. The booths, free samples, photo opportunities and keynote speakers combine to kickstart to the weekend.

At Vernon Worthen Park, the Marathon Fun Walk Run n’ Roll events begin at 6 p.m. Oct. 4. Children ages 3 to 12 or anyone with special needs are invited to participate. After the event, (200-meter or 1-mile distances) everyone is invited to celebrate with a party in the park that will go until 8 p.m.

Then on the morning of the marathon, Mayor Jon Pike leads hundreds of participants in the traditional Mayor’s Walk. The approximate 2-mile walk begins at Sandtown Park and ends at Vernon Worthen Park, where scones are provided by the Exchange Club of St. George.

“The whole day is just a wonderful tradition and a great citywide celebration,” Pike added.

More information

General: www.stgeorgemarathon.com

Road closure map: www.stgeorgemarathon.com/SM%20Road%20Closure%20Mailer%202019.pdf

About St. George Marathon

Rated by Runner’s World as one of the four “Marathons to Build a Vacation Around” in the World and included in Runner’s World 10 Most Scenic and Fastest Marathons and Top 20 Marathons in the USA, the 43^rd edition of the St. George Marathon is set for Oct. 5. It begins in the majestic Pine Valley mountains and descends nearly 2,600 feet through scenic southwest Utah, to the beautiful Worthen Park. The St. George Marathon is a point-to-point race which is USA Track & Field certified and sanctioned. Runner’s World listed the St. George Marathon as the fastest fall marathon.