CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Since 1977, St. George has welcomed thousands of runners from all over the world to participate in the St. George Marathon. Beyond the benefits of running a USA Track & Field-certified race that is primarily downhill through picturesque scenery in nearly unbeatable weather, runners have shown a particular affinity for one aspect of the race: the quality of its volunteers.
“This is a community marathon that is locally managed and buoyed by the strength of our volunteers – not only in numbers but in enthusiasm,” said Michelle Graves, deputy director of arts and events for the city of St. George. “We couldn’t pull this off without our amazing volunteers. They truly are the lifeblood of the St. George Marathon. Through the years, runners continually rate their interactions with our volunteers among their personal highlights.”
The St. George Marathon, set for Oct. 1, utilizes the abilities of approximately 2,500 volunteers each year. Volunteers help with a variety of tasks during race week, including several smaller events within the marathon realm:
- Marathon weekend kicks off Sept. 30 with the Marathon Expo at the Dixie Convention Center. It’s free for the public to attend and where runners pick up their packets.
- Also on Sept. 30, the Fun Run Walk n’ Roll events begin at 6 p.m. at Vernon Worthen Park with distances of 1 mile and 200 meters. Children ages 3 to 12 or anyone with special needs are invited to participate. An after-race party follows at 8 p.m.
- On the morning of the marathon, Mayor Michele Randall will lead hundreds of citizens in the traditional Mayor’s Walk. The approximately 1-mile walk begins in the parking lot of the Washington County School District office on Tabernacle Street and ends at Vernon Worthen Park, where scones will be provided by the Exchange Club of St. George.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up here.
About the St. George Marathon
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’s “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 that is USA Track & Field certified and sanctioned. Runner’s World listed the St. George Marathon as the fastest fall marathon. Visit stgeorgemarathon.com for more information.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.