The St. George Marathon: A Guide to Race Weekend
The city's biggest single day, and one of the country's most coveted road races. What to know about the St. George Marathon, running or watching.
The St. George Marathon is the city's biggest single day, and one of the most sought-after road races in the country. If you are running it, or coming to watch someone who is, here is what to know.
The basics
It runs the first Saturday of October. It is a point-to-point that starts up in the cool pines near Central, at about 5,240 feet, and drops roughly 2,560 feet down to downtown St. George. That net downhill makes it one of the faster marathons in the country and a legitimate PR course.
Getting in
Demand outstrips spots, so entry is mainly by lottery, with some qualifying-time and charity options. If you want to run it, put in for the lottery early in the year and have a backup plan. The full field caps around 5,000.
It is not all downhill
Do not let the word downhill fool you. The first miles roll, and Veyo Hill around miles 7 to 9 is a genuine climb that humbles people who went out too hot. Respect it, save something, and let the back half do its work.
For spectators
The finish downtown is a party, and the whole town turns out for it. Get there early, because roads close and parking downtown goes fast on marathon morning. It is a great one to watch even if you never run a step.
One more thing: book your room early. Marathon weekend, right in the middle of gorgeous October weather, is one of the busiest of the year, and hotels sell out.
Frequently asked questions
When is the St. George Marathon?
The first Saturday of October. It is a net-downhill, point-to-point course that starts near Central, Utah and finishes in downtown St. George.
How do you get into the St. George Marathon?
Entry is mainly by lottery, held early in the year, with some qualifying-time and charity entries. The full marathon field caps around 5,000 runners.