Washington County officials encourage local motorists to drive safe as Ironman athletes train for event

ST. GEORGE — As the Ironman World Championship approaches the Washington County Commission reminds area residents to be mindful of athletes who will are preparing for the May 7 race as they run and cycle on local roads that also make up much of the triathlon course.

Athletes compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Hurricane, Utah, Sept. 18, 2021 | Photo courtesy of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, St. George News

“We encourage motorists to exercise courtesy and caution as you navigate the roads in the coming weeks,” the County Commission stated in a public service announcement released earlier this month. “Please offer these visitors the kind of safety you would hope for in your own neighborhoods. We also encourage cyclists to be careful out there and to follow the rules of the road.”

The race starts at Sand Hollow Reservoir where the athletes will engage in a 2.4-mile swim. From there they get on bikes and ride 112 miles on a segment of the Southern Parkway, then hit state Route 9 and go on to ride through parts of Washington City and St. George, up state Route 18 and loop back on Gunlock Road and Old Dixie Highway 91. Parts of the course also run through Ivins and Snow Canyon State Park.

Once the cycling portion of the race is complete, the athletes will run a full marathon (26.2 miles) that will cover parts of Diagonal Street, Bluff Street, Snow Canyon Parkway and Dixie Drive in St. George.

“On race day, the course will be well marked and traffic will be controlled for safety,” the commission stated in the PSA. “The Ironman World Championship safety plan has been carefully developed in conjunction with our local agencies. We are grateful for the training and dedication of our public safety agencies who support the event.”

Part of encouraging road safety for motorists and cyclists is also remembering to observe state law that does not allow motorists to pass within three feet of a moving bicycle.

At the ghost bike memorial held for Adam and Matthew Bullard, brothers who were killed by an impaired driver while riding with bikes on Telegraph Street and were honored with a ghost bike memorials, Washington City, Utah, April 22, 2022 | Photo by Mori Kessler, St. George News

Concerns for cyclists and pedestrian safety have been heightened over the last few weeks in Washington County due to the deaths of California brothers Adam and Matthew Bullard. They had been taking part in a race on April 9 and riding on a bike path along Telegraph Street in Washington City when they were hit by an impaired driver. The two were taken to St. George Regional Hospital where they were pronounced dead soon after.

During a memorial held for the brothers last week, local officials pleaded with the public to drive safely.

“Our community, our visitors and those just passing through deserve to feel safe and protected as they traverse through our city,” Washington City Police Lt. Kory Klotz said at the memorial. “There is no excuse for impaired or distracted driving. Let this event serve as a reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly it can change.”

A more detailed outline and maps of the Ironman World Championship course can be found here.

Tips on bicycle safety and programs can be found on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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