‘Excitement and anticipation’: St. George Marathon organizers make final strides toward annual event

Aaron Metler crosses the finish line in the St George Marathon in a time of 2:17:01; St. George, Utah, Oct. 2, 2021 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — One of St. George’s signature events, the St. George Marathon is a race that has delighted, inspired and challenged thousands of runners, volunteers and spectators for more than four decades.

Runners in the St. George Marathon in Southern Utah, Oct. 2, 2021 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News

The 46th edition of this marquee gala will take place Saturday morning. Nearly 5,000 marathon runners from all over the U.S. and throughout the world converge on St. George to attack the world-renowned 26.2-mile course.

“Race weekend is always one of the most energetic, optimistic and transforming times of the year, and we have every reason to believe this year’s St. George Marathon could be the best ever,” said Race Director and Deputy Director of Arts and Events for the city of St. George Michelle Graves in a news release from the city of St. George. “Marathon running has seen its popularity soar, and we have noticed the excitement and anticipation is even more pronounced than in recent years. We can’t wait to see how the marathon plays out this year.”

One of the interesting subplots is on the men’s side. Aaron Metler, a city of St. George employee and four-time winner (2010, 2014, 2015, 2021) is back to try to defend his crown. He outdistanced the field in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 1 second, in the 2021 race.

“I look forward to the challenge of some great competition this year,” Metler said in the news release. “It pushes me to work harder and stay focused in my training. Regardless of the outcome, I am looking forward to a great day running in our beautiful city.”

Marathon weekend kicks off Friday with the Marathon Expo at the Dixie Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is free for the public to attend and where runners pick up their packets. The booths, free samples, photo opportunities and keynote speakers combine to kickstart the weekend.

Also on Friday at Vernon Worthen Park, the Fun Walk Run n’ Roll events begin at 6 p.m. with distances of 1-mile and 200 meters. Children ages 3-12 or anyone with special needs are invited to participate. Everyone is invited to celebrate with a party in the park that will last until 8 p.m.

On the morning of the marathon, Mayor Michele Randall will lead hundreds of participants in the traditional Mayor’s Walk. The approximate 1-mile walk begins in the parking lot of the Washington County School District office, 121 W. Tabernacle St., and ends at Vernon Worthen Park, where scones may be purchased from the Exchange Club of St. George.

Parking for the Mayor’s Walk is available at the school district but access will be available only via 200 West from 100 South, the news release said.

And for the second straight year, the Mini-Marathon, which will start at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, will add 1,800 participants to the total.

The success of marathon weekend wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm of its volunteers, the news release said. There are still opportunities to join this dedicated volunteer force. Click here to sign up to volunteer

“We know that a lot is being asked of volunteers lately, yet I hope that giving spirit and sense of community will invigorate our volunteers to answer the call,” Graves said in the news release.

Click here to access the marathon web site.

St. George Marathon fact, according to the city of St. George news release:

Rated by Runner’s World as one of the four “Marathons to Build a Vacation Around” in the World and included in Runner’s World 10 Most Scenic and Fastest Marathons and Top 20 Marathons in the USA, the St. George Marathon begins in the majestic Pine Valley mountains and descends nearly 2,600 feet through scenic southwest Utah. A staple in Southern Utah since 1977, St. George Marathon is a point-to-point race which is USA Track & Field certified and sanctioned. Runner’s World listed the St. George Marathon as the fastest fall marathon.

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