ST. GEORGE — St. George Marathon is the City’s signature annual event, taking place on the first Saturday of October. Since its first race in 1977, it has welcomed thousands of runners from all over the United States and overseas. The benefits of the race are abundant: it is primarily downhill; a Boston Marathon qualifier; a USA Track & Field certified race; features eye-popping scenery in nearly unbeatable weather.
What seems to stand out most, however, is the quality of the volunteers.
“Our runners tell us every year that they are thrilled with the support they receive from our volunteers,” said Michelle Graves, Assistant Parks and Community Services Director. “Our volunteers are known for their friendliness, welcoming spirit and energy. You don’t need to have experience to be a great marathon volunteer — just have a positive attitude and a willingness to help.”
Set for Oct. 4, 2025, the St. George Marathon Presented by Intermountain Health utilizes approximately 2,500 volunteers each year. Volunteers are integral to pulling off the race, and assist with tasks such as packet handouts, aid stations, distributing medals, clothing retrieval and so much more.
Some volunteers have made it an annual rite of autumn, like St. George resident Susi Lafaele.
“Volunteering as a co-captain at Aid Station 23 for the St. George Marathon has become an October tradition for me. It’s a celebration of service, the camaraderie of athletes and the joy of reconnecting with old friends — many as they are running past! — while meeting new ones,” she said. “Each year I’m reminded how this event fuels the spirit of community and inspires us through every runner’s journey.”
The variety of volunteer opportunities within the St. George Marathon include:
- Marathon weekend kicks off Oct. 3 with the Marathon Expo at the Dixie Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is free for the public to attend and where runners pick up their packets.
- Also on Oct. 3, the Fun Run event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Dixie Convention Center with distances of 1-mile and 200 meters. Children ages 3 to 12 or anyone with special needs are invited to participate. After the race, join us at the Party in the Park until 8 p.m. outside the Dixie Center for music, dancing, prizes, bounce houses and more.
- In addition to the full-distance marathon and half marathon — both races have reached capacity — there is a 5K race at 5:30 p.m on Friday that still has room for sign ups.
- On the morning of the marathon, Mayor Michele Randall will lead hundreds in the traditional Mayor’s Walk. The approximate 1-mile walk begins in the parking lot of the Washington County School District office (121 W. Tabernacle Street) at 7 a.m. and ends at Vernon Worthen Park, where scones are provided by the Exchange Club of St. George.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up here or call 435-627-4500 with questions.
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 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 which is USA Track & Field certified and sanctioned. Runner’s World listed the St. George Marathon as the fastest fall marathon.
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