ST. GEORGE – Runners from across the country will participate in the 10th annual Snow Canyon Half Marathon Saturday morning. This popular race was touted by Runner’s World magazine as one of the top half marathons in the country. The event will necessitate road closures through Snow Canyon State Park.
In addition to the half marathon, there will be a 5K, as well as “Move It! Kids” runs of varying distances.
“This truly is an event for the entire family,” Aaron Metler, race director of the Snow Canyon Half Marathon, said in a news release. “A lot of people can’t run a full marathon, so they find a half marathon or 5K more to their liking. The kids can get involved in the shorter-length races, and this year, for the first time, everybody who completes any of the races gets a finisher medal. It’s a fun family experience for all ages and running abilities.”
The Snow Canyon Half Marathon is expected to draw a crowd of approximately 1,800 runners from 25 states and parts of Canada, Metler said. They come largely for the scenic, mostly downhill course.
“The race is a huge draw largely because of the beautiful scenery that surrounds runners almost from the get-go,” Director of the St. George Area Sports Commission, Kevin Lewis, said.
The half marathon will begin at 8:30 a.m. on state Route 18. The course heads south through Snow Canyon State Park and will finish at Snow Canyon High School located at 1385 N. Lava Flow Drive in St. George.
The 5K and Move It! Kids runs will take place at Snow Canyon High School and on surrounding trails.
Snow Canyon Road through Snow Canyon State Park will be closed from 8 a.m. until approximately 11 a.m., a news release from the park said. Additional information about the road closure can be obtained by contacting park staff at 435-628-2255.
During the race, there will be limited access on S.R. 18 from the north entrance of Snow Canyon State Park to the Red Mountain Trailhead, Lava Flow Drive and Pioneer Parkway. Motorists should use caution when driving in those areas.
Event details
- What: Snow Canyon Half Marathon.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 5, 8:30 a.m.
- Where: Race begins on state Route 18 and finishes at Snow Canyon High School, 1385 N. Lava Flow Drive, St. George, see course map | 5K and Move It! Kids races will take place at Snow Canyon High School and on surrounding trails.
- Resources: St. George Races.
- Additional information: Snow Canyon Road through Snow Canyon State Park will be closed from 8 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews
Oh how nice!
Taxpaying drivers are prevented from using a public road that was paid for with tax dollars!
Yes ! just the same as when pedestrians have 2 walk on 2 the road because somebody is illegally parked and blocking the sidewalk paid 4 by tax dollars
I would just squeeze by the car on the sidewalk and leave a pinstripe on it with my key. I bet it wouldn’t be a repeat offender.
If anyone has ever contemplated running a half-marathon, this is the one to try for the first time. It’s well-organized, with a primarily downhill route for over half the race. But that small uphill at the 11.5 mile mark seems like Mt Everest for a first time runner! LOL