The St. George Marathon at 50: History, the Course and Race-Weekend Tips

Every October, thousands of runners board buses in the dark and ride up into the Pine Valley Mountains to run back down to St. George. In 2026 the St. George Marathon held its 50th running, with a record field of roughly 12,000 participants across all its events. It started with a handful of local runners and a single barrel fire. Here's the story of how it grew, what the course is like, and tips for anyone planning to run or watch. For more about the city, see St. George homes for sale.

How It Started

In 1977, Sherm Miller, St. George's first parks and recreation director, came home from the Deseret News Marathon in Salt Lake City convinced St. George could host a marathon of its own. The city moved fast, and the first race happened just months later in November 1977.

• The first field: 58 people signed up, and 42 runners, including four women, made it to the cold start line in Central, where a single barrel fire kept them warm.
• A homemade race: the course was open to traffic, timers followed the runners in a Volkswagen bus, and volunteers leapfrogged ahead to set up card-table aid stations.
• The finish: runners finished at Bluff Street Park. Steve Naylor of Centerville won in 2:27:17, and Barbara Peterson of California was the first woman.
• The name: it was originally called the Pioneer Marathon and was later renamed the St. George Marathon and moved to October.

Growing Into a Destination Race

The race grew quickly from a few dozen runners to hundreds and then thousands. Running publications began ranking it among the country's most scenic marathons, and it earned a reputation as one of the best-organized races in the United States. By 1985 it was on live statewide television. Demand outgrew the field, and for years entries were drawn by lottery, with thousands of hopefuls turned away. The lottery ended starting with the 2017 race.

The race is also known for its loyal runners. Debbie Zockoll, one of the four women in the first race, went on to run more than 40 consecutive St. George Marathons and was the first member of each of the race's 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-year clubs. Thousands of runners have now finished the race ten or more times.

The 50th Running

• Record participation: about 12,000 participants across the marathon, half marathon and shorter events.
• Prize money: for the first time, top finishers shared a $100,000 prize purse.
• Winners: Eric Nelson won the men's race in 2:15:23 and Morgan Nokes won the women's race in 2:30:01, both first-time champions.
• Community effort: the race relies on roughly 1,500 volunteers, with some neighborhoods staffing the same aid stations for generations.

The city estimates the race brings around $10 million into the local economy in a typical year, and it remains St. George's largest sporting event by participation.

The Course

The marathon starts near Central at about 5,240 feet and finishes at Vernon Worthen Park downtown at about 2,680 feet, a net drop of roughly 2,600 feet. Along the way runners pass through Veyo, where the course goes by the cinder cone of the Veyo volcano and includes a well-known climb, then descend through the lava fields and red rock of Snow Canyon before the final miles into town. The half marathon starts lower, near Diamond Valley, and finishes at the same park.

The course records were both set in 2025: 2:13:56 by Jake Heslington and 2:28:41 by Kodi Kleven. The race is a Boston Marathon qualifier, which is a big part of its draw. To explore the canyon at a slower pace, see the guide to Snow Canyon State Park.

Tips for Runners

• Train for the downhill: long descents punish quads that aren't ready. Include downhill runs in training, and don't let the early miles pull you out too fast.
• Prepare for the climb: the Veyo hill arrives right when the early pace starts to catch up with you.
• Dress for two climates: the start is cold before dawn, and the finish can be warm by late morning. Bring throwaway layers.
• Book lodging early: hotels and rentals fill well in advance of race weekend.
• Register early: the marathon and half can sell out.

Tips for Spectators and Residents

• Expect road closures: sections of Highway 18, Snow Canyon routes and downtown streets close on race morning. Plan errands and church around them.
• Cheer downtown: the final miles and the finish at Worthen Park are the easiest places to watch.
• Volunteer: aid stations and the finish area need help every year, and it's one of the best ways to feel part of the community.
• Dinner plans: restaurants fill on race weekend, so reserve; see Italian restaurants in St. George for a classic pre-race pasta dinner.

Bottom Line

From 42 runners around a barrel fire to a record field of thousands, the St. George Marathon reflects how the city itself has grown while keeping its community spirit. For runners, it's a fast, beautiful course; for residents, it's one of the best weekends of the year. For more to do, see things to do in St. George with kids, or contact Best Utah Real Estate for help finding a home here.