Marathon joins Ironman, Senior Games in canceling 2020 St. George events

The St. George Marathon was added to the list of big-time events that have been cancelled this Fall in Southern Utah.

A couple of weeks ago, officials cancelled the 2020 Huntsman World Senior Games. Then on Monday, the Ironman committee informed Washington County that it would not be holding its event.

Tuesday morning, marathon officials issued a press release saying the 2020 race, slated to be the 44th consecutive one in St. George, would not be held.

“This was a difficult decision for us to make. We have enjoyed 43 consecutive years of this race, which has become one of the crown jewels of the marathon circuit,” said Michelle Graves, Race Director for the St. George Marathon. “However, the health and safety of our runners, volunteers, staff members and residents outweighed the potential benefits of moving forward with this year’s race.”

As the St. George Marathon advertised at the outset of the registration period in April, each registered participant has the option for a full refund or deferral to the 2021 St. George Marathon. All registered participants have been contacted via email conveying their options.

“We really tried to make this work out. We are sad that we won’t have a race this year, but we are beyond excited for the 2021 version of the St. George Marathon,” added Race Operations Director Nikelle Pledger. “We look forward to our great runners, effervescent volunteers and feeling of accomplishment that comes with the St. George Marathon.”

Greater Zion Tourism director Kevin Lewis said his committee was moving forward as if there would be a race this September in St. George, but was informed by national Ironman officials that they would not be holding the race.

"This week, Ironman made the decision that they're not going to do it, that we're going to forego it this year," Lewis said. "Ultimately it's Ironman's race, it's their event, it's their decision. In some cases where they've had to cancel, somebody from a local jurisdiction has come forward. That really didn't happen here."

The St. George Marathon, originally scheduled for Oct. 3, 2020, will return next year. Runners have the option of carrying over their payment to next year or receiving a full refund.

The Ironman will have two races next year -- the North American Championships in may and the World Championships in September.