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St. George Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: St. George, UT, USA
- Race Date: 10/03/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
Qualifying Race For:
Boston: Yes
World Major Qualifier: Yes
St. George Marathon Description
The St. George Marathon descends nearly 3,000 feet from over 5,000 feet in the Pine Valley Mountains into St. George, Utah each October. The mostly downhill, Boston-qualifying course passes red rock formations and rugged canyons framed by fall foliage. Impeccable organization and breathtaking desert scenery make it one of the most highly regarded marathons in the country.
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St. George Marathon Additional Details:
Aid stations appear almost every two miles, fully stocked with water, Gatorade, and snacks, plus Icy Hot handed out roughly every three miles for aching legs late in the race. The finisher medal is unlike anything else in the sport: carved and polished from local sandstone, a genuinely one-of-a-kind keepsake tied to the surrounding desert landscape. After crossing the line, runners pass through a Finisher Controlled Zone stocked with hydration, snacks, ice cream, and other finisher gifts. Between the volunteer support and the rock medal alone, this is a race built around small, memorable details.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hr 15 min (full)
# of Finishers
2,000 Half Marathon
3,900 Marathon
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 500 ft (full)
Elevation Loss: 3,057 ft (full)
Average Temperature
- Low: 56°F
- High: 81°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in St. George, UT, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Snow Canyon State Park
Take in petrified dunes and lava tubes on the family-friendly trails of Snow Canyon State Park — a relaxed, moderate way to spend a rest day.
Museums & History
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site
See thousands of dinosaur fossils and life-size prehistoric models at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Sand Hollow State Park
Relax at Sand Hollow State Park, with beachside camping and water activities on a red-rock backdrop — an easy, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Arts & Culture
St. George Art Museum
See work from Utah-local artists at the St. George Art Museum — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum
See more than 300 species in detailed dioramas at the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Pioneer Park
Explore Pioneer Park’s 52 acres of trails and mini slot canyons, with rocks to climb and boulder — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Shopping
Downtown St. George
Browse historic buildings, small shops, and local art displays in downtown St. George — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Sports & Entertainment
Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum
See historic aircraft in hangars at the Western Sky Aviation Warbird Museum, with volunteers sharing stories of pilots and missions — a relaxed way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the St. George Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your St. George Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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Boston Qualifier: Yes