I salute you all! Everyone that had anything to do with the 2004 St. George Marathon... It couldn't have been any more perfect! The huge variety at the expo, the inexpensive but delicious spaghetti dinner, the organized bus ride up the hill, the motivating music and helpful items supplied to us at start line, the perfect running course with tons of refreshments, sprinklers, and lots of encouraging fans, AND... the absolutely wonderful finish line with everything a runner could ask for. Thank you so much for a life time memory. It was truly a wonderful experience!

I've run St. George many times and keep coming back. There's not much else to be done to make this race better. The course is hard, despite the 2,600 foot drop, and the weather is often warm (like this year), but the scenery and support are better than any other marathon I've run. The organization is great, volunteers superb, and the race is a terrific experience.

If you are considering this race, don't expect it to be an easy, fast course. By my estimation, there are about 8 miles of uphill, with at least that much steep downhill. My legs always take a beating and recovery is slow.

I was so pleased to be selected by the lottery. But I am, so far, unable to book any hotel rooms in St. George or nearby towns. All sold out!! I will keep trying, but I am pretty discouraged by the responses so far. Looks like I'll just have to run a local race in CA. So much for winning the Lottery...:O)

The St. George Marathon is great. I told myself after my first time that I would never do this again, and now here I am awaiting the lotto pick for 2004 my third time. I love the marathon - I'm now aiming for a new PR and it's the feeling at that time of the year to know that training is upon me.

The marathon is great. I am not much of a morning person, but I awake the morning of the marathon excited and jittery. It's a little cold out and the nerves in my stomach go crazy. Then, on the bus ride to the starting line I try to sleep and relax knowing that in a little while the gun goes off.

Then one of my favorite things is the playing of the National Anthem; that get's my blood boiling, hearing the words and seeing all the flags blowing in the morning breeze - it's awesome. Then the race begins and I am off ready to face the challenge in my mind. I tell myself that miles 7, 8 and 9 are not far off, but that a beautiful sunrise over veyo will take your breath away.

There is then a little more climbing before you hit the descent into town. That is one view I look for. Once I see St. George, I feel I can finish, and when I do there is a smile on my face despite the pain I feel.

I thank the many kind people who cheer the runners on - you all make a difference, especially the ones who stay out late. I am a straggler, being a new marathon runner. While I go each year trying for a new PR, I am only at the stage where finishing is still a major goal. I appreciate those that stay out and cheer me on.

The good thing about the St. George Marathon is that I have a new hobby and I am hooked. Three years ago I was not a runner - one time around a track was a joke. But now that I have the marathon, I love to run. When training time comes around, I am out buying a new pair of running shoes to break in for the marathon.

For anyone who wants to set a new goal, try a marathon. The feeling of finishing is one of great accomplishments, even if you walk funny the next day. It is a great thing to do. I am awaiting the lotto for 2004 with excitement - hopefully a few years down the line it will be ten years.

Thank you to the people of St. George; you put on an awesome event. I love the feeling of entering the city the day before being one of the runners. Your people make us feel so special. I look forward to 2004 and encourage others to enjoy the same experience I have had the past two years.

Running up the old volcano (miles 7-9) at Veyo Canyon was quite the unique experience. The scenery is absolutely breath-taking - you get a real run for your money at mile 15 when the red cliffs and canyons pop out of nowhere. The city of St. George is unbelievable - there were so many volunteers along the course - there was always a fan to cheer the runners on. I especially enjoyed the rancher who blasted 'Eye of the Tiger' from his garage at the beginning of the race. The food during and after the race was great, especially since I was starving before I got to the food stations (with bananas, Clif Bars, other fruit.) Eating Clif Bars was more sustaining than just eating gel, and it helped me through the race. A very emotional run. I felt the love and camaraderie of all the other runners. You get a pretty sweet medal at the end of the race made of red sandstone (from the cliffs!)

This was my 2nd SGM and I enjoyed it even more than the first. This year I ran the whole thing with my wife, so that was great. The people are wonderful. Even though it's a fairly small setting, the town comes to life for the marathon. Be careful, if you choose this one as your first (like I did a year ago). You'll be hooked!

This was my 9th marathon and believe me, it has everything. Great scenery, an abundance of great food at the end of the race, a choice of gel flavors along the course, oranges and bananas, and best of all a cool towel for your face at about mile 24. I had the unexpected pleasure of running 22 of the 26.2 miles with Pete from California (it sure made the miles go quicker). I met him by the interactive message board on the St. George Marathon website. The marathon shirt was first-rate, long-sleeve cool max, and the marathon medal was unique too. I would recommend this marathon to anyone.

This was my 15th marathon and a PR. Spectacular scenery and a warm, inviting town are the foundation for an exceptional experience. If you need large crowds, this marathon is not for you. However, you will miss a wonderful running experience. Be sure to spend a few days visiting the state and national parks nearby. This is a great marathon/vacation combo. I will definitely be back. (The only criticism, which is a small one, is the absence of a runner reunion area at the finish. My sister, a seasoned spectator, had difficulty locating me).

Even though this course is 'advertised' as a fast, downhill course - there are definitely some uphill climbs to be dealt with. It was also hot about halfway through the race, and about 80 degrees at the finish. All that being said, it still was one of my fastest marathons. The crowd support is small, but VERY enthusiastic!

The organization for this marathon is superlative. The course consists of great desert scenery, is downhill, has well stocked aid stations, and even has several misting stations. The spectators are very enthusiastic and encouraging. The homemade posters of wisdom and encouragement that are placed along the route are kind of corny, but hey, what do you expect, this is Mormon country. And contrary to one runners comments, I like the ultralight planes that buzz around overhead - I think its a great distraction. This is one marathon that I would like to do again and again - it's that good. I can't imagine how this one could be any better.