St. George Marathon

The St. George Marathon begins in the Pine Valley Mountains, descending nearly 2,600 feet to St. George, Utah. Participants transition from a cool mountain morning to a warmer finish within the city. The race occurs on the first Saturday of October, organized by the city of St. George. It features a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K. The marathon is limited to 5,500 participants and is certified by USA Track and Field, also qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The course starts at 5,240 feet, crossing the sandstone and basalt terrain near Snow Canyon State Park before concluding at Vernon Worthen Park, situated at 2,680 feet. Its downhill nature appeals to runners aiming for quick times, yet the course requires strategic pacing and has a cutoff point at Snow Canyon Parkway and Utah State Route 18. The inaugural race was organized in a short period by Sherm Miller, a St. George parks and recreation employee, with assistance from Bob Horlacher. The first event had 57 runners and one wheelchair competitor, with 38 starters completing the race.