ST. GEORGE — It’s time again for the St. George Marathon, Southern Utah’s premier footrace and this year it is an event four decades running. The 40th anniversary of this landmark event offers plenty of activities to enjoy Friday and Saturday even if you aren’t pounding the pavement.
Below is a quick guide to help plan the perfect marathon weekend; which roads to avoid, best areas to cheer on your runners and everything in between.
Friday events
Altra Zero Drop Health & Fitness Expo
Check out St. George Marathon’s expo with over 85 vendors. At the expo runners can pick up their runner packet including bib number and runner shirt and take part in free health testing by SelectHealth. The expo provides ample opportunity to mix and mingle with other runners, attend marathon clinics and see what’s new in running apparel and gear. Get in the spirit of the marathon and purchase St. George Marathon souvenirs and get your pasta dinner tickets.
- When: Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Dixie Center St. George, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
Pasta Dinner
The annual pasta dinner is located next door to the expo in the Dixie Center St. George. Bring family and friends and enjoy great food and great company. Tickets will be on sale at the expo or at the door.
- When: Friday, 4 p.m.
- Where: Dixie Center St. George, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
- Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.
Move it! Kids Fun Run
This is a kids-only event, no parents allowed. Bring your children and friends to run one of two distances, 1 mile or 200 meters. If your child is under 5 years old, they may choose to run with one of the Move It! mentors.
- When: Friday, 6 p.m.
- Where: Vernon Worthen Park, 300 South 400 East, St. George.
- Cost: $10 per person, includes T-shirt and finisher’s medallion.
- Registration information.
I am ABLE
Open to persons with disabilities of all ages. Each participant must be able to run, walk, roll or be pushed either 200 meters or 1 mile.
- When: Friday, 6 p.m.
- Where: Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 East, St. George.
- Cost: $10 for teams of two. Participants may register up to two additional supporters at $10 per person. Includes T-shirt and finisher’s medallion.
- Registration information.
Move it! Dance Party
Participants and their families will have the chance to dance with Waddles the Penguin to music by a live DJ, win prizes, play in the bounce houses, get their face painted and much more. The party will start after the races and will go until 8 p.m. The night before the marathon is turning into a big race celebration.
- When: Friday, 6 p.m.
- Where: Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 East, St. George.
Saturday events
Mayor’s Walk
- When: Saturday, 6:45-8 a.m.
- Where: Starts at Sand Town Park, 700 N. Bluff Street, St. George.
- Cost: $10, includes T-shirt, door prize drawings and post-walk refreshments.
- Registration information.
Bus loading
All runners are required to ride buses to the start unless camping in Pine Valley, staying in Cedar City or driving the alternate route from Cedar City through Enterprise. Runners board buses at Vernon Worthen Park, 250 S. 400 East, St. George, and must show bib numbers to board. Buses depart beginning at 4 a.m.
Veyo bridge
The Veyo bridge is under construction and down to one lane. St. George Marathon organizers will have flaggers stationed at each end of the bridge as well as four light towers — one next to each flagger and two directly over the bridge — to safely direct runners across the bridge. Flaggers will be stationed at the bridge until it is light enough for runners to see. Additionaly, barricades starting just past Aid Station 7 will help funnel runners across the bridge safely.
Road closures — Click to enlarge
Map of road closures — Click to enlarge
Map of spectator locations — Click to enlarge
Enjoy photos from previous St. George Marathons.
Click on photos, use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Racers head toward the finish at the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News St. George Mayor Jon Pike offers his congragulations to Amber Green after she crosses the finish line at the St. George Marathon. Green took first place out of the women racers and finished 25th overall, A marathon racer cools off after completing the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News Women's winner Amber Green prepares to cross the finish line at the St. George Marathon. Green took first place out of the women racers and finished 25th overall, A marathon racer cools off after completing the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News Racers head toward the finish at the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News Racers head toward the finish at the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News A marathon racer is awarded his finishing medal after completing the St. George Marathon, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2015 | Photo by Dave Amodt, St. George News
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I may have missed it, but when—as is the custom for many events here—will mortars be fired off at night? Gotta get my dogs outta town.