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Last month, I had the opportunity to experience the 31st running of the St. George Marathon. This event, which holds almost 7,500 runners, fills up within a month in part because of its incredibly beautiful course and net drop of 2,500 feet.
Just a two hour drive from Las Vegas, St. George is one of the fastest growing cities for its size. It’s become a nesting place for retirees who love its climate and surrounding natural beauty. Its trademark is the red bluffs that tower over the city from the north. The movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed here. Nearby majestic Zion National Park is a wonderful place to visit prior to the race. I was most impressed with Tuacahn Center for the performing arts. Tuacahn is a $23 million facility, with a spectacular 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by 1500 foot red rock cliffs as well as a man made waterfall running from its entrance to the parking lot. As the race guest speaker, I was given a spacious auditorium at the Dixie Center to share my thoughts and stories about motivation, courage and what it takes to run a marathon. Hundreds of runners took the time to wander down the hall from the fitness expo to hear one of three talks that were scheduled. In between, my wife and I were invited to an international dinner at the center to honor guests from St. George’s sister city marathon in Ibigawa, Japan. St. George sends the overall male, female and masters winners, and a local runner to Japan for a week long stay with Japanese host families. The two cities have exchanged delegations and event winners in an effort to enhance each marathon and to broaden the scope of understanding between cultures. Mayors from both cities attended and exchanged gifts. Afterward, race director Kent Perkins and I discussed how the growth and success of the St. George Marathon has spilled over to other races around the state. Perkins offers guaranteed marathon entries to raffle at other races and it has helped to boost numbers and support these events. Race morning we were bussed north to what seemed like a remote area before dawn. On the way I sat next to a 65 year old gentleman from Utah who was running his 21st St. George Marathon. The starting point in Central has an elevation of just over 5,000 feet. At 6:00 am, it’s freezing cold when you get off the bus, but the race has camp fires set up every 20 yards. In less than a minute you’re warmer than toast and your clothes have that wood burning smell. It was definitely a place conducive to using your social skills. Organizers knew what they were doing in the entire area. It was fenced off to force all runners to use the port-a-potties and not run off to the wilderness and leave a mess. Large Strobe lights made it easy to find water and baggage claim. It also gave focus to the flag poles waving banners from every country represented. On their shoes, runners tied commemorative timing chips that they could keep after the race. Many were also wearing St. George technical long sleeve shirts provided in their goodie bag. Most of the course ran along highway 18. Runners were treated to numerous mountain vistas from areas known as Dammeron and Diamond Valley and Snow Canyon. I noticed just one big hill at mile seven. There was ample room at the finish in Worthern Park. For such a large field of entrance it seemed very cozy and spectator friendly. Eleven women and seven men qualified for Olympic Trials on this course. For many including myself, this event requires a return trip. (Note: I had to drop out with a hamstring cramp and took the sag wagon along the course to the finish.)  Doug Kurtis can be reached by clicking here! Comments:
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