Newly Coined Virgin River Half Marathon in St. George Is A Perfect Way to Thaw Out in the Middle of Winter
St. GEORGE— What was once known as the St. George Half Marathon has a new name to go along with a new, awe-inspiring course, serving to squash the wintertime blues of runners from throughout the intermountain west.
Set upon a river’s edge with eye-popping views, enthusiastic participants, and mild temperatures that are the envy of the Wasatch Front, the longest-running 13.1-mile race in Southern Utah — 41 years to be exact — returns in 2023 with the newly named Virgin River Half Marathon, set for January 14 at 9 a.m. The Virgin River Half begins and ends in front of the Dixie Convention Center.
“Renaming this the Virgin River Half Marathon is a great opportunity for us to accentuate the connection to nature that runners experience,” said Aaron Metler, Recreation Manager for Races and Special Events. “This is one of our most popular races for many reasons; perhaps the biggest reason is the great weather we typically enjoy at that time of the year. There are not many places where you can run a half marathon in the middle of January.”
In most years, approximately 2/3 of Virgin River Half participants are from outside Southern Utah — including a significant number from the Wasatch Front. In 2022, this USA Track & Field certified race featured runners from 14 different states.
To sign up for the race, go here.
There will also be races of smaller lengths, including:
- 10 kilometers (9 a.m.)
- 5 kilometers (9:15 a.m.)
- Fun Run Walk n’ Roll ( 11 a.m.)
Festivities begin Jan. 13 with the race expo, set for 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dixie Center. There will be food, vendors and members of the health and fitness industry on site. Race participants will pick up their race packets and there will be an opportunity for late registration.
More information
www.sgcity.org/sportsandrecreation/races
About St. George Races
St. George Races (SGR), a division within the Leisure Services Department of the City of St. George, hosts a variety of half marathons, 10K, 5K, kids runs, triathlons, bike events, relays and other special events throughout the City of St. George and Washington County. SGR offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for area businesses and utilizes the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.
