ST. GEORGE — When much of the country will be shivering and staying indoors, St. George will greet runners and walkers from across the United States for the 19th annual Snow Canyon Half Marathon, November 15 at 9 a.m. Featuring the eye-popping grandeur of Snow Canyon State Park, the USATF-certified course is one of the most breathtaking in Utah.
Its steep downhills through the park make the race one of the fastest as well.
“The overall beauty of the course, the great fall temperatures here in St. George and the potential for great finishing times combine to make the Snow Canyon Half Marathon a must-do event for all types of runners,” said Aaron Metler, Race Supervisor for the City of St. George.
For those not ready to take on the full 13.1-mile event, a 10K race starts in the state park, where it joins the Half Marathon course. Also, a 5K route follows the picturesque Lava Flow Trail that surrounds Snow Canyon High School, then joins the Half Marathon course for the final mile. Shorter-distance events are available for kids, and an Adaptive division welcomes those with disabilities.
“Runners and walkers alike can sign up for any race; just keep in mind that the course will not be open past 12:30 p.m.,” advises Aaron Metler, Race Supervisor for the City of St. George. “We invite everyone of every athletic ability to join us and take in the beauty of Southern Utah. And if you don’t want to race, we’re always looking for energetic volunteers!”
New this year, Metler adds, will be an improved live athlete tracking mobile application. With this technology, spectators can track multiple athletes at once and see their runners’ estimated finish times. The Snow Canyon Half Marathon App can be downloaded from the Apple Store, or wherever cell phone owners access applications. Additionally, free online training from PR Performance Lab is available for all Snow Canyon races by visiting the Snow Canyon Half Marathon website: sgcityutah.gov/snowcanyon.
Packet pickup will be held from noon-8 p.m. at the race Expo on November 14 at the Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Dr., St. George UT. For those in need of Saturday morning pickup, it will be available for a $10 fee and must be pre-purchased online as part of each participant’s registration.
The Half Marathon, 10K and 5K will begin at 9 a.m.; the Fun Run Walk N’ Roll begins at 11 a.m. Athletes must ride the buses to their respective start lines, as drop-offs will not be allowed. All buses will leave from the back parking lot of Snow Canyon High School.
More information
About the City of St. George
St. George is the largest city in Washington County and the fifth-largest city in Utah with more than 100,000 residents. In recent years, people from across the United States have been attracted to St. George’s world class healthcare, active lifestyle, access to university education and proximity to unrivaled recreation. Scenic beauty abounds throughout the city and region including Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Reservoirs and Zion National Park. With an average of about 300 days of sunshine per year, the community welcomes all to live, work, play and eat and experience the ‘Brighter Side’ in St. George, Utah.
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