Marathon races near Ivins

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.

The St. George Marathon begins in the Pine Valley Mountains and descends toward the red rock country near St. George, Utah. This October road marathon features a fast, downhill course and qualifies runners for the Boston Marathon. The race is part of a larger event weekend that includes a half marathon, 5K, fun run, Mayor's Walk, virtual races, and charity entries. Runners are drawn to the point-to-point course as much as the finish line. The route transitions from cooler mountain terrain into the desert canyons above town. The official expo takes place at the Dixie Convention Center the day before the race, offering packet pickup and a help desk for registration issues. Greater Zion presents the event, which relies significantly on local organization and community support, distinguishing it from a basic marathon.

The Sun Marathon is a winter road race in Southern Utah, based in the St. George and Santa Clara area. It offers runners four in-person distances: marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with a virtual option available. The race centers on a straightforward concept: exchanging cold-weather training miles for a desert run among red rock mountains. The courses are largely downhill, but they feature rollers and some climbs rather than continuous drops. Marathoners pass Gunlock Reservoir, and both the full and half marathon routes follow a river for a portion. The full marathon begins in Santa Clara and includes an early start option for participants anticipating a finish time exceeding seven hours.