Back to St. George Marathon Information & Reviews
b. c. from Georgia
(10/27/2008)
"Wonderful race with bad weather" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I haven't really run a marathon in 5 years, since TCM in '03. Have done Chicago and others in the past, so I have seen some bigger races. My sister encouraged me to run after she ran St. George in '07. We ran together, so I got to thank her repeatedly over the first 15 miles of rain. Despite the rain, the race was a huge success. From the bus ride in the morning to the campfires to the aid stations, everything was wonderful. I have never seen so many volunteers in a rainy event. I also have not seen so many massages given at aid stations. It was amazing. Great job to the organizers and volunteers. I will pray for sun next time. | |
B. F. from Southern Illinois
(10/22/2008)
"Runner-Friendly Deluxe" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great organization - best of 23 races I have run. Can't say enough for the race sponsor and crew. There are more moderate hills than the website indicated. Scenic. Tough weather the day of race, but the organizers did their best to protect us from elements - gloves, garbage bags, and many bonfires pre-race. Well organized post-race area. They kept family and spectators out of the finish and nutrition area. Most races do not, and the limited food supply disappears. I would recommend it. St. George accommodations are pricey. Call around. | |
C. B. from Evergreen, Colorado
(10/18/2008)
"Awesome organization and beautiful course" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As others have mentioned, the rain was relentless this year, but it was an amazing day out there. I never imagined that I would be able to enjoy a race in the constant rain and frequent headwinds, but due to the organization and spectacular scenery, I had a great day. I ran one of my fastest times at this race, and I don't know if it was the course or the fact that I couldn't slow down much without fear of getting getting too cold. Out of 12 marathons, this was my first negative split, as the race can really be broken into two halves - the first half I definitely didn't feel much of the downhill and the course had some good climbs; but I think this helps keep you focused on holding back early and make up some time beginning around mile 14. There are definitely some minor uphills and I would recommend some hill work to prepare. Thankfully Veyo was such a beautiful piece of the course, or else that would have been a pretty tough climb in the rain. And watch for the one at mile 19; it can feel a lot harder than it probably is after running a good pace downhill. Spectators were amazing coming into town and I would second the request for Mylar blankets and some warm food. At any other marathon I would be so happy to have some ice cream, but with purple lips this year, I held off on all food until taking a hot bath back at my room. I will try to be back and see what its like to run this course in better weather. Definitely one you can race well. And I will never forget the scene up at the top of the canyon with thousands of cold, wet runners huddled around dying fires in the dark waiting to put themselves through more torture of running 26.2 miles in more rain. What a great day! Thanks, St. George! | |
l. g. from down south
(10/14/2008)
"another PR" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 St. George Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 DC, there is nothing wrong with expecting a Mylar sheet after a marathon, especially if it is still raining and windy, as it was for me at the finish. For most people, you just don't walk up and expect to get your bag handed to you without waiting in line. It was a fantastic weekend, but Mylar sheets should have been given out at the finish line. I did get a PR. Thankfully I wore my garbage bag for the whole race; I needed it afterward. | |
A. G. from West Palm Beach, Florida
(10/13/2008)
"Awesome marathon in every way! Even with rain! ;)" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 8th marathon and I have to say this is now my favorite! Incredible in every way - the course, the organization, the support from St. George. Despite being from South Florida, I survived the hills well, and found them not only challenging but fun! The scenery is beautiful. I hope to be back in the lottery next year so that I can continue to run this wonderful marathon. A big high-five for the organizers and all of the people from St. George! | |
L. D. from Tampa, Fl.
(10/12/2008)
"Awesome!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Despite the SGM's first rainy day in 25 years, it still ROCKED!! My friend and I came from Florida, met up with some other friends who live in Salt Lake City, and totally enjoyed our marathon experience in St. George! A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to the hundreds of volunteers at the water stops and med tents, and those who dispensed Vaseline and icy hot, etc.... We could not have done it without you!! The rain was not too bad if you were running, but I can't imagine having to stand in one spot for hours on end, with no cover or break from the rain. Thousands of runners finished, some with a BQ, because of you all! The start line folks were great - thanks for delaying the departure of the bag truck! For the early birds, they had drinks, gloves, and trash bags. No waiting at the porta-lets, which were plentiful at both the start and along the course. Spectators were much appreciated, and more numerous than I expected with the adverse weather conditions. The course was beautiful, closed to traffic, and well marked. On a side note, I did as much hill training as I could, being from Florida. The altitude didn't affect me at all, but the combination of uphill and downhill was tough. If you're used to running on flat terrain, raise the incline on the treadmill, or run some parking garages or overpasses... whatever it takes to get in some hill-work. You will not be sorry, because despite the drop in elevation, it may not be what you expect. I would also recommend driving the course if at all possible. Great organization at the finish, beautiful medal, and thanks for the souvenir chip!! I agree with previous comments that there should have been Mylar blankets at the finish line. We stayed only a few blocks from the finish, but it was a cold walk home, especially with the strong wind. If you stood in line for food, pictures, or a massage, it would have been much worse. Please rethink this for future years. Again, a big THANKS to the race organizers, volunteers, police officers, and all the support personnel!! It was a GREAT marathon experience!! | |
C. C. from Vegas
(10/12/2008)
"Superb marathon" (about: 2008)
1 previous marathon
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first full marathon; however, I can confidently state from my 24 years of military service that it was as well organized and managed as you will find. The logistics, support, and community involvement were exceptional. St. George definitely has its act together. As stated by others, they weren't ready for the rain, but given that it had been 25 years since the last time it rained on the race, I can't find much fault there. The hill from mile 7-11 wasn't as bad as I had feared from reading about it, but I definitely recommend including some hill training if you plan to run in the SGM. Overall, I highly recommend this marathon and the weekend stay in St. George. | |
D. C. from Idaho
(10/11/2008)
"Don't Believe The Complainers in 2008" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ St. George Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run marathons around the U.S., and this is the best organized, hands-down. The beauty of the course is incredible if you choose to enjoy it. With the downhill course, you can run a fast time if you train for it. For a mostly rural marathon, the spectators are plentiful and supportive. For those who complained about the weather and lack of luxury items (Mylar blankets, tents at the start, etc.), I want to remind you that you were running a marathon, not staying at a luxury hotel. If you want the easy life, don't run marathons. And most of all, quit whining when you don't plan well enough to stay warm or dry (or are silly enough to put your clothes bag in the truck an hour early). If you are cold at the finish, pick up your clothes bag (what a simple solution) and put something on! This is a great race in every respect. I plan to keep running it until I die. | |
T. L. from Southern California
(10/10/2008)
"If I ran the organization..." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 St. George Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Please consider providing space blankets in the future, especially for beautiful, rainy days like this one. We shall be back! | |
David Christensen from Ann Arbor, MI
(10/10/2008)
"Outstanding organization and fans" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 St. George Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a gem! I've run most of the majors and no race exceeds this one's organization. They really take care of their racers. The course is beautiful (though the rain kept my head down most of the time), and most of the many aid stations offered about every type of product, aid and assistance anyone could want. The fans and volunteers deserve all the accolades. Groups of fans were standing out in the rain at sunrise in the middle of NOWHERE screaming and cheering us on.... Unbelievable! The start area is worth the trip alone... waiting in the pre-dawn around approximately 62 bonfires in the middle of the desert with thousands of runners is an experience I won't soon forget. This area is uniquely beautiful and the race is first-class. Don't think it's easy and all downhill; it's not! |
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