St. George Marathon
The Lowdown
Established in 1977, the St. George Marathon has grown into one of the Rocky Mountain West’s most respected fall road races, prized for its combination of fast times and dramatic desert scenery. Traditionally held in October to take advantage of cooler temperatures, the race attracts a mix of elite athletes chasing qualifying times, regional marathoners seeking PRs, and recreational runners drawn by the course and community support. Over its decades-long history the event has become a marquee Utah running tradition and a reliable Boston-qualifying course. The point-to-point route showcases southern Utah’s iconic red-rock landscapes and sweeping valley views. Runners traverse rolling terrain that opens into long, runnable downhill sections, passing through red sandstone formations, desert scrub, and neighborhoods with distant mountain backdrops; the finishing stretch into downtown St. George offers a festive urban welcome. The atmosphere is energetic and community-driven, with enthusiastic local crowds, aid stations staffed by volunteers, and live entertainment along the course that keeps momentum high. The event is USATF-certified, recognized as a Boston Qualifier, and affiliated with the global road-racing community through AIMS, making it both scenic and officially measured for competitive goals.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Notable Landmarks
Tonaquint Park
Marathon start area offering wide-open views of the red cliffs and nearby community facilities
Snow Canyon State Park
Scenic section of red-rock canyons and lava flows runners pass near during the northern part of the course
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
Iconic cliffside outdoor theater visible from the route around Ivins and Snow Canyon
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
Protected desert habitat with striking sandstone formations lining parts of the course
St. George LDS Temple
Prominent white temple that overlooks the valley and is a landmark as runners approach the city
Downtown St. George / Vernon Worthen Park
Finish area with historic downtown shops, restaurants, and post-race festivities
St. George, UT, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
The race offers a booking portal with partner hotel options
- Must be at least 16 years old on race day
- All participants must complete official online registration and sign the race waiver
- Race is a Boston Marathon qualifying course (no qualifying time required to register)
- Course cutoff time 6 hours — runners must finish before course closure
- Wheelchair and handcycle entries require prior approval from race organizers
- No pets or baby joggers/strollers allowed on course
- Participants must wear assigned race bib visibly and follow race and traffic-control instructions
- Signed race waiver/release
- Government-issued photo ID (for packet pick-up)
- Proof of time (official race result or timing verification for seeded corral)
- Proof of age (if claiming age-group eligibility/prize)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Waitlist
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstances
Deferral to the next year allowed until 30 days before the race for a $40 processing fee
Race bib transfers/sell/transfer are not permitted
Medical deferral (full credit toward a future race) available with physician documentation up to 7 days before the race; $25 processing fee applies
The point-to-point course is famed for its overall net downhill and scenic red-rock views as it starts near Veyo and finishes in downtown St. George.
The event weekend includes a race expo and a pre-race pasta dinner, and finishers receive a custom medal and a technical race shirt with post-race food and beverage options at the finish village.
The marathon is a popular Boston Marathon qualifier, with frequent BQ times due to the downhill profile and fast straight sections.
Shuttle buses transport runners from the finish area back to the start and there are well-spaced aid stations roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water, sports drink, and medical support; arriving early for parking and shuttle lines is recommended.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.