St. George Marathon set to inspire, challenge participants
By David Cordero
The 26.2-mile course of the St. George Marathon creates memories worthy of fashioning a vacation around. From the enduring views to the friendly volunteers to the welcoming hospitality of the St. George area, the St. George Marathon resonates with thousands. The 2018 race is set for Oct. 6 at 6:45 a.m. The wheelchair and hand-crank divisions start at 6:40 a.m.
The race culminates with an enthusiastic welcome from spectators at the finish line astride Vernon Worthen Park, but the mood is set much earlier in the morning.
“The excitement begins before the sun rises and pulsates throughout the race,” said Kevin Lewis, director of the St. George Tourism Office. “The miles pile up on the runners, but the spirit never wanes as volunteers and spectators who line the course add needed adrenaline to the gallant runners.”
Among the accolades showering the St. George Marathon include the following:
—Rated by Runner’s World as one of the four “Marathons to Build a Vacation Around” in the world.
—Included in Runner’s World 10 Most Scenic and Fastest Marathons and Top 20 Marathons in the USA.
—Runner’s World listed the St. George Marathon as the fastest fall marathon.
Beginning in Central at an elevation of more than 5,000 feet and descending toward St. George’s Worthen Park, nearly halfway to sea level from its starting point, the St. George Marathon is 26.2 miles of grit and glory.
“Nothing compares to driving up to Central in the dark and seeing the entire start line glowing in the distance, flags waving and fires burning,” said Kami Ellsworth, race operations manager for the St. George Marathon. “The excitement felt there is indescribable. Thousands of runners, huddled around bonfires, giving words of encouragement to those around them — that moment makes all the hard work worth it.”
Ellsworth said last year’s event generated an estimated economic impact of $3.2 million for the St. George area. This year, more than 6,000 have registered for this year’s run, and approximately 75 percent of the participants live outside Washington County. Runners from 48 states and 16 different countries add to the unique tapestry of the event.
“The St. George Marathon, to me, feels like a big family reunion each year,” Ellsworth said. “I look forward all year long to reuniting with friends I have made over the last 12 years and knowing these friendships will last a lifetime. I look forward to making new friends and welcoming our first-time runners into the St. George Marathon family.”
Those unable to finish 26.2 miles can walk the much-shorter 32nd Annual Mayor’s Walk (2.1 miles), hosted by the St. George Exchange Club. The walk begins at 6:45 a.m. at Sand Town Park (700 N. Bluff St.) and follows Diagonal Street to the St. George Marathon finish line on 300 S. Be sure to finish by 8 a.m. to ensure an open course for the marathon’s wheelchair division.
For a schedule of events, click here. For a map of road closures, click here.
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