ST. GEORGE — Hundreds of people of all ages joined St. George Mayor Jon Pike and his family for the city’s 31st annual Mayor’s Walk early Saturday morning.
Starting just before 7 a.m., participants walked, jogged or even ran along city streets for 2 miles, ending up at the same finish line that thousands of St. George Marathon finishers would cross starting a short time later.
Pike said the idea for the Mayor’s Walk was started more than three decades ago by former St. George Mayor Karl Brooks and local historian Bart Anderson, who thought it would be a fun thing for other members of the community to participate in right before the big race.
“I try to carry on that tradition,” Pike said, noting that he donned a headset and walked alongside volunteers carrying speakers that enabled bystanders and participants to listen in as he related stories about St. George and its history.
Afterward, the participants were treated to a breakfast of scones, milk and juice at Vernon Worthen Park. Participants received gray T-shirts with the Mayor’s Walk logo on the front and the names of the event’s sponsors on the back.
The event is sponsored by the St. George Exchange Club, with funds raised going to help support several projects and programs.
“It’s a fun thing,” Pike said, citing the spirit of volunteerism and camaraderie that prevails among those who participate in the Mayor’s Walk each year.
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St. George Mayor Jon Pike holds his special scone in the shape of an M, following the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
St. George Mayor Jon Pike poses with family members following the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants enjoying breakfast, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants in line for breakfast, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
A family poses for a free photo in front of a green screen, following the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
St. George Mayor Jon Pike is interviewed by the St. George News, following the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
St. George Mayor Jon Pike holds his special scone in the shape of an M, following the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants enjoy breakfast in the park, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants mingle in the park, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants enjoy breakfast in the park, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants get in line for breakfast, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants leave the finish line and walk over to breakfast area. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants enjoy breakfast in the park, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
Mayor's Walk participants cross the finish line. St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
State Sen. Don Ipson poses with St. George Mayor Jon Pike after the Mayor's Walk, St. George, Utah, Oct. 7, 2017 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have two young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.