IVINS – Mike Nelson ran a time of 31 minutes, 53 seconds, and won The Spectrum 10K Saturday.  The popular St. George Races 10K is a 6.2-mile course that winds through neighborhoods into downtown Ivins, finishing at the Ivins City Park.

The race sold out, gathering nearly 800 athletes at the starting line at 9 a.m., just north of the campground in Snow Canyon State Park.  On both the road and paved trail, runners and spectators alike were treated to exquisite views as bright running colors contrasted with the red rock.

“This race is unique because it offers breathtaking scenery and an incredibly fast course, with 600 feet of downhill running,” City of St. George race coordinator Aaron Metler said.

The relatively short distance and casual atmosphere drew runners of all ages and fitness levels. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, many were decked out in St. Paddy’s green and the like. The Washington County Water Conservancy District also sponsored a runner dressed as a toilet to raise awareness of Fix-a-Leak Week.

“I thought it was fun,” Nathan Paxton, 9, said.

While many ran for fun, others had an inspirational motivation for entering the race. “Ethan’s Team” is a group of family and friends from Mesquite running in honor of a young boy battling neuroblastoma.

Elaine Hartrick started a life-changing weight-loss journey in July 2013 and has since dropped 90 pounds. “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she said. “It’s well within reach.”

Weather conditions were ideal throughout the race, but a sudden wind disrupted celebrations at the park, blowing away cups and papers and tipping over the inflatable arch at the finish line.

The Spectrum 10K is part of the St. George Runner Series, leading up to the 2014 St. George Marathon. For more information on upcoming running events in Southern Utah, visit the STGnews RUNdown.

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