Home Culture Wellness Kanab’s Little Hollywood Half Marathon benefits Symphony of the Canyons

Kanab’s Little Hollywood Half Marathon benefits Symphony of the Canyons

A "first take" of Little Hollywood Half Marathon insures sequel.

August 24, 2015

Kanab's Little Hollywood Half Marathon — Photos: George Scott

The quaint, historic town of Kanab, Utah, was filled with shakers and movers over the weekend. However, it was not the movie making elite running through the streets of “Little Hollywood”; it was runners and race volunteers that were the stars of this production. It was action time for Kanab’s inaugural Little Hollywood Half Marathon.

It was still dark at 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22. There was a chill in the air with the thermometer indicating 60 degrees. The streets were unusually busy for the quiet little town as runners made their way to the shuttle that would take them to the starting line to participate in the Little Hollywood Half Marathon.

The Little Hollywood Half Marathon was organized as a fundraising event for the Symphony of the Canyons. Twenty-five years ago, Kortney Stirland, put together a group of musicians to perform in the town of Kanab. More than 200 concerts later, Symphony of the Canyons continues to share the joy of music with residents and visitors alike.

The same love and appreciation for music went into creating the Little Hollywood Half Marathon. Many of the approximately 100 runners commented on the the friendliness of the race organizers and volunteers. The Little Hollywood Half Marathon began on scenic Highway 89 just north of Kanab where runners ran along the White Cliffs and unmatched beauty of the Coral Pink Sand-dunes. Three miles into the course, participants entered into Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary and ran 4 miles through the stunning area surrounded by nature’s gorgeous scenery.

Runners were adorned with a beautiful finisher medal commemorating the accomplishment of completing the Little Hollywood Half Marathon. A good old-fashioned hearty offering of biscuits and gravy along with juice and fruit were plentiful. As runners replenished, they were treated to a performance by the Symphony of the Canyons. Although it was the first take, it seems certain there will be a sequel to the Little Hollywood Half Marathon.