Here is what Runner's World says about the St. George Marathon...
St. George, UT.- In the January 2010 issue of Runner's World Magazine, a publication that appeals to runners throughout the United States and Canada, the St. George Marathon was recognized by readers as the most organized marathon race in the country.
In July 2008, Runner's World launched an online survey asking its readers to evaluate marathons they'd just completed. Thousands responded answering questions about everything from the ease of the registration process to the amenities at the finish line. Were there enough buses? Were the aid stations well stocked? Was the course fast or scenic? By July 2009, 319 different marathons were assessed by readers from across the USA and Canada
Of the 319 marathons evaluated, the St. George Marathon was voted the "Most Organized" marathon in the country. According to the article, "Efficiency reigns at St. George." "Parking was easy. Packet pickup fast. Plenty of buses," wrote one reader. "What propelled St. George to the top of its class is the staff's dedication to good service." The article references the bonfires at the start line of the course and the knowledgeable and friendly service given by all volunteers during the race.
Long-time St. George Marathon organizer and City Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins said it is an honor to be recognized by Runner's World in this fashion but he's not too surprised, "We have an incredible marathon staff, exceptional cooperation between government and nonprofit agencies/departments and the best volunteers anywhere. Put all of this together and you will have a world-class event like the St. George Marathon."
"I think the running world is discovering what we've known for years!" said St. George Mayor Dan McArthur. He added, "Recognition needs to be given to those who organize and plan the marathon and the great local volunteers who come out and support the event year after year. It speaks highly of our community."
To view the article visit www.runnersworld.com
St George Marathon 2008-Largest Race in its History
The 32nd annual St George Marathon is underway and set to be largest race in its history. In 2008 the marathon cap was set higher than ever before at 7000 runners. With nearly 10,000 applicants, thousands of disappointed runners are unable to participate in this highly prominent event. Lucky are those 7000 who will wake up early the morning of October 4, lace up their running shoes and experience 26.2 miles of exquisite landscape, extraordinary community support and overall sheer accomplishment.
The Marathon experience starts Friday morning October 3, at the NordicTrack Health and Fitness EXPO held at the Dixie Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The EXPO will consist of nearly 70 vendors, Runner Packet distribution, marathon information, and multiple prize giveaways. Also there will be various clinics being held throughout the day including a first timer's clinic, a Clif Bar Pace Team clinic and a special guest speaker Rod Dixon. An all-you-can-eat pasta dinner will be served from 4:00-8:00 for all paying customers.
The race itself will begin with bus loading at 4:00 a.m. The last bus will leave at 5:30 a.m. Hand cycle and wheelchair participants will start their journey at exactly 6:40 with runners following closely behind when the gun goes off at 6:45.
Come share with the St George City in this historic event, when 7000 runners from 49 states and 10 foreign countries take part in a run of a lifetime.
Contact:
Kami Ellsworth
Race Operations Manager
627-4500
2008 Registration - a HUGE Success
The St George Marathon registration is officially closed with an all time high of 10,544 registrants, which exceeded last year by more than 2000 runners. In its 32nd year of running this event has been ranked "the fourth fastest growing marathon in the nation". The St George Marathon's continual growth has a natural limitation due to the cap which is set at 7000 this year, an increase of 200 registrants from 2006. Also ranked 15th largest Marathon in the nation, hosted by one of the smallest marathon cities (population nearly 80,000), this race had a total of 5155 finishers in 2007 which was an increase of 8.3% from 2006. The 2008 marathon lottery will take place on Thursday May 8th and the final results will be posted Friday May 9th.
The St George Marathon staff offers hope for registrants who do know make the lottery cut. We have seven participating charities in 2008 that allow runners limited spots into the race by donating to a chosen organization. Also the Marathon hosts the "STG on the Run" program which allows runners to participate in one or more of 30 races held throughout the state of Utah. Each of those races has one marathon entry to be given away at their event.
The St George Marathon, rated "one of four marathons to build a vacation around" in the world" by Runner's World in 2005, encourages all to come be involved is this spectacular event. Our beautiful scenery, countless attractions and impressive community involvement, are just a few reasons the St George Marathon is a continued success.
Contact info:
Kami Ellsworth
Race Operations Manager
627-4500
NEW! FIRST HONORARY ST. GEORGE MARATHON PARTICIPANT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marathon Contact: Kami Ellsworth
//(435) 627-4500 office
St. George (August 30, 2006) -For most of the past 15 years of Sam Eliason's life he has come to St. George, Utah to watch his father, mother, brother, three sisters, one brother-in-law, five uncles, one aunt, and one cousin complete the St. George Marathon. But this year Sam gets to participate as the first St. George Marathon Honorary Participant.
At 9 months old, Sam had a near drowning accident. The lack of oxygen to his brain caused a condition known as cerebral palsy. This affects Sam's motor skills and ability to easily communicate and denies him the ability to walk. His life since then has consigned him to an electric wheelchair. Today Sam is 15 years old, a sophomore in high school in Payson Utah, and is in good health and intellect, except for his physical limitations.
In 1989 Sam's father started the Eliason tradition of running the St. George Marathon. Now 17 years later, a handful of Eliason family members run the St. George Marathon each year. Between 20 and 30 family members make the trek each year, making the St. George Marathon weekend somewhat of a family reunion. In the year 2000, the Eliason Family was presented the Del Monte Award at the St. George Marathon not only for the 8 family members who ran that year, but for the extraordinary trials some of the family runners overcame to participate in the event.
Each of those years you can find Sam near the finish line with the rest of the Eliason family offering words of encouragement to all the runners but in particular to the various Eliason family runners all coming in at different times. "It is rather motivating during particularly painful parts of the marathon to realize that family members are waiting at the finish line," states Sam's Uncle, Adam Eliason. "However, it is particularly emotional to see Sam among the family members, in his wheelchair, showing the utmost sportsmanship, despite his handicap...that's why we wanted Sam to participate and that's why the Organizing Committee approved his participation."
As an Honorary Marathon Participant, Sam won't be just watching the runners finish this year but instead will have various Eliason family members unite in the effort to push him the entire 26.2 miles.
Instead of watching his family leave early marathon morning Sam will join the other runners at the starting line, stay warm around the fire pits, hear the national anthem, cheer the wheelchair participants as they start, and be a part of the excitement of the start of the 2006 St. George Marathon. He's heard all the stories but this is his year to experience the event and the entire Eliason family is supporting him.
A "special needs" jogger has been purchased by the donations of all the Eliason family members and will enable various Eliason family runners to push Sam the entire distance of the course. As training for the marathon is a daily regiment around the Eliason home, Sam will be lifted into bed and often ask "how many miles are you doing tomorrow?" The distinction of Honorary Participant has motivated Sam to focus on his own "training" an effort to show he is doing his part to ready himself for the special day...the day he will be surrounded by runners on all sides and let his imaginations, for at least 26.2 miles and beyond, go as far as it can.
Registration successful; Marathon announces 30/30 Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (May 8, 2006)
For two consecutive years, registration for the St. George Marathon has exceeded 8500 registrants. Runners from around the globe entered the lottery for the chance to run in one of the most unique and scenic races in the world. More than two-thirds of those entering the lottery received entries in the Marathon. The running of the 30th Anniversary will take place on Saturday, October 7, 2006.
The results of the lottery will be posted today on the St. George Marathon web site.
Marathon staff are also pleased to announce our 30/30 Program. In celebration of our 30th Anniversary, thirty smaller races throughout the state of Utah will receive one complimentary entry into the marathon. John Bradley, Race Operations Manager stated, "The 30/30 program is a great way for us to thank those runners in the state of Utah. We understand that our marathon runners use the smaller races to train and prepare for October." Bradley continues, "It is also a great opportunity for the more rural areas in Utah to be aware of the St. George Marathon. We want to promote healthy lifestyles, and running is a great way to do this!"
Participating races in the 30/30 Program are also posted on our website- www.stgeorgemarathon.com
A brief description and photo of those 30 participants who win the complimentary entries will be posted on the website throughout the summer.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (March 30, 2006)
Marathon Offers Hand Cycle Divisions
The St. George Marathon will be offering male and female hand cycle divisions for the 2006 race. These divisions are offered on a one-time experimental basis to see the need for future hand cycle divisions. Marathon staff will determine by November 1, 2006 the results of the new division and its future potential with the St. George Marathon.
The hand cycle divisions will start at seperate times from the wheelchair divisions.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (March 15, 2006)
Marathon Introduces Corporate Challenge
We welcome you to the first annual Corporate Challenge. Participation is FREE to all registered marathon runners from Washington County. We invite you to involve as many runners as possible from your business.
Challenge 1 The business with four fastest runners
Challenge 2 The business with the most participants
All participants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag (full of healthy surprises). These items will be picked up at the Nordic Track Health and Fitness Expo on October 6th. Look for the Corporate Challenge booth.
Awards for Challenge 1 - The business with the four fastest runners
Each of the four runners will receive a BBQ Grill and the Business wins a plaque
Awards for Challenge 2 - The business with the most participants
Business wins a plaque and pedometer for each employee.
To register, go to: www.stgeorgemarathon.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (March 1, 2006)
St. George Marathon Sports New Look, Same Great Tradition
The St. George Marathon kicks off its 30 YEARS RUNNING celebration by unveiling some adjustments to its world famous course. In the tradition of providing the highest quality experience for each runner, race officials have adjusted the last two miles of the course after it enters St. George City.
"As the community has grown and traffic has increased, our concerns for runner safety and quality of experience have created the need to make these adjustments. This year runners will leave Bluff Street at Diagonal Street and work their way through the center of our beautiful City," said Race Director Kent Perkins. "Each runner will pass through the historic center of St. George on his/her way to the traditional finish at Worthen Park."
"This will provide each runner with the opportunity to run the last two miles without the traffic noise, exhaust, and worries of running adjacent to fast moving streams of autos. Additionally, security and medical personnel will have easier access to the course. The traditional shadeless stretch down Bluff Street will be replaced by two miles of tree lined streets. Spectators will enjoy the changes because they will also have easier access to both sides of the street from Mile 24 to the finish."
The advent of these course adjustments will make it necessary to retire 29 years worth of course records. These records are an important part of the history of this event and will be proudly displayed as part of the Legacy Exhibit, along with the new records. "It is exciting to think that every overall and division winner this year will be setting a new course record", said Perkins.
The St. George Marathon staff is looking forward to another great year. Come join us!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
High school cross country coaches continue winning ways!
St. George, UT (October 1, 2005)
For the second year in a row, a high school cross country coach has won the St. George Marathon. The 29th annual running was won by Joe Wilson, former Weber State distance runner and current Weber High cross country coach in 2:22:23. Charles Wallace from V. Air Force Base in California came in two minutes later with a time of 2:24:11 and was followed by fellow California runner Steve Frisone in 2:25:57.
Cloudy conditions held off the heat until later in the race and provided great running conditions for over 4700 runners. First timer, Devra Vierkant shocked the women's division with a 2:42:58 finish. Vierkant a resident of Provo, Utah bested second place winner Mary Ann Protz (2:48:40) by almost six minutes. Protz a resident of St. Petersburg, Florida improved her run by over 10 minutes from 2004. Third place winner was Eileen Torres from Decatur, Georgia with a time of 2:50:21.
The wheelchair division was won by Jesse Austin of Provo, Utah for the second straight year. Austin cruised through the course in 1:40:06 . Second place finisher was Vance Anderson, Odgen, UT with a time of 1:45:18. First place women finisher was Mary Thompson from Del Mar, California 2:45:25.
Masters winners included Masahiro Yashida, 40 of Ibigawa, Japan in 2:26:42 and the women's division winner was second place women�s runner Mary Ann Protz of Florida.
ELITE FIELD ANNOUNCED FOR ST. GEORGE MARATHON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kami Ellsworth
(435) 627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (September 23, 2005)
St. George (September 23, 2005) -The Largest single day event in sunny Southern Utah continues to get hotter and had over 10,000 runners apply for 6700 coveted spots. The 2005 Marathon will be led by St. George Marathon veterans Steve Frisone, Alexander Pachev and Charles Wallace. Masters Division multiple winner Jerry Henley will also participate. Frisone, has a long list of victories with shorter races in California. He finished less than one minute from first place in 2004. He will be challenged by Provo resident Alexander Pachev, who continues to race well in the other Utah marathons. Last year, Charles Wallace came in a close sixth place behind Pachev and Frisone.
Marathon winners will again be awarded the unique opportunity to for a weeks paid vacation and chance to run a marathon with long time sister-city marathon in Ibigawa, Japan.
The 2005 marathon proves to provide lots of excitement, with the chance of husband and wife winning first. Heather Frisone is projecting a 2:42:00 but will be challenged by 2004 Masters Division Winner Karen Cross out of Orem. Other competitors include Laura Drake out of St. Petersburg, FL and Rebeckah Castillo from Pheonix, AZ, and Charity Vernon, Salt Lake City are all projecting under 2:50:00 finishes.
ST. GEORGE MARATHON CONTINUES TO GROW!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Kami Ellsworth
627-4500
kami.farr@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (May 9, 2005)
An unprecedented 8800 runners entered the 2005 St. George Marathon lottery before the Monday, May 2nd deadline with hopes of securing one of the 6700 coveted spots in the race.
The results of the lottery will be posted today on the St. George Marathon web site.
Runners applied from 48 states and 9 countries.
Over 840 runners have qualified to become members of the St. George Marathon Ten-Year Club, and 52 runners have completed the event 20 or more times.
The City of St. George is one of the fastest growing cities in the Nation. Growth in motel rooms allows for growth in marathon numbers each year.
Kent Perkins, St. George Marathon Director, stated: AThis marathon has a life of its own. The outstanding support of this great community, the dedicated staff and the 1700+ wonderful volunteers have created an event that continues to have a very positive impact on the lives of thousands. We only wish that we could accommodate the nearly 9000 enthusiastic runners who would like to be a part of our 29th year.
GATORADE PROVIDES NEW ENDURANCE FORMULA FOR 2005 ST. GEORGE MARATHON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Bradley
(435) 634-5850
jbradley@sgcity.org
St. George, UT (April 5, 2005)
Dear Race Participant �
Congratulations registering for St. George Marathon � we are excited to have you as a participant. As always, your safety and performance on race day is of our utmost concern.
As you may know, replacing the fluid and electrolytes lost in sweat is imperative to optimizing performance and to ensuring your safety when training and competing. Because of the time and intensity that training for an endurance event requires, you are more likely to experience greater sweat and electrolyte losses than other athletes, which if not replaced, can easily cause performance to suffer.
This year, we are very pleased to be offering a new specialized sports drink from Gatorade on-course � Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime Flavor) � to help you stay better hydrated so you can feel and perform at your best throughout the race.
Gatorade Endurance Formula contains a unique five-electrolyte blend including nearly twice the sodium (200 mg) and three times the potassium (90 mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher as well as calcium, magnesium, and chloride to help you better replace what you lose in sweat during longer and more intense active occasions.
Based on years of extensive research with elite and endurance athletes at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Gatorade Endurance Formula was specifically developed to help athletes like yourself stay better hydrated and fueled during trainings and on race day.
We wanted to advise you of this change as soon as possible so you can train with the same beverage that will be served on-course. Since your training days vary in length and intensity, we also want to assure you that Gatorade Thirst Quencher will still serve you well in providing carbohydrate energy and replacing the valuable fluid and electrolytes lost in sweat. Both Gatorade Endurance Formula and Gatorade Thirst Quencher have the same 6% carbohydrate blend, though Gatorade Endurance Formula may taste "less sweet" due to the added electrolyte content.
We are very excited to be one of the first races to offer Gatorade Endurance Formula on-course. If you would like more information on the product, please visit www.gatorade.com/endurance or contact us at (435) 634-5850.
Sincerely,
Kent Perkins
Race Director
HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY COACH MICHAEL KIRK WINS ST. GEORGE MARATHON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Bradley
(435) 634-5850
jbradley@sgcity.org
High School cross country coach Michael Kirk wins St. George Marathon
St. George, UT (October 2, 2004) The 28th annual St. George Marathon was met with great weather, amazing scenery and over 4600 runners. Michael Kirk, of Salt Lake City UT improved his time from last year by more than six minutes to win the Marathon on Saturday, October 2nd. His time of 2:23:37 bested Ibigawa, Japan visitor Katsuhiko Onuki. Last year's Onuki won the Ibigawa, Japan Marathon entitling him to compete in the 2004 St. George Marathon as a member of the delegation sent by the sister-city. Katsuhiko finished in second place with a time of 2:24:06. Steve Frisone of Chino Hill CA was third in 2:24:33.
Brenda Graham-Gray, 42 of Rock Springs WY, reached another milestone with her first marathon victory, completing the course in 2:44:05. Not only is she the overall winner, but she won the Masters Division as well. Suzy Schumacher, 35 of Phoenix AZ improved from sixth place in 2003 to second place with a time of 2:45:16 and Makiko Somiya another member of the Japanese Delegation from Ibigawa finished third in 2:47:10.
The wheelchair division was won by Jesse Austin of Provo, UT. Jesse cruised through the downhill course with a victory in 1:38:38.
Masters winners included Donald Henderson, 46 of N Kingston RI in 2:36:01 and the women's division winner with a time of 2:57:57 was Karen Cross of Provo, UT.
