This marathon is first-class all the way. The race director/race committee must be runners because of the great attention to detail given to this race. The course is incredibly fast with spectacular views. We actually passed a real cowboy on horseback along the road watching the runners! The aid stations are perfectly placed and well-stocked with water, Gatorade, Vasoline, etc. Only a couple of concerns: More port-o-potties at the start line, the mile markers were sometimes difficult to see, and the start was a bit crowded for a mile or two. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a race that is well organized, with spectacular scenery, and a PR. (Ps. The elevation at the start was not a factor - something we were concerned with coming from the East Coast.)

I wished I'd trained better for this, but it was still a great race for a first marathon. Don't let anyone fool you; there seems to be almost as much uphill running as there are downhill running, so train on both! By the time I finished (5:30:xx), the crowds that I'd heard so much about were largely dissipated. Still, excellent weather and great organization, and great aid stations, just often enough. Loved it.

Awesome weather, great course, and good organization made everything go off without a hitch (except some delays with return of clothing dropped at mile markers on the course).

I think it's great that so many door prizes are given as an incentive to people who get on the 4:30am shuttle to the start line (e.g., 10 X $250 cash awards, iPods, etc.), but how about providing some comparable awards for those who finish in the top 10 overall?

Either way, I'll be back to enjoy the friendly people, fun atmosphere, and beautiful setting of St. George.

Thanks for making this an amazing experience!

This was my 25th state, 30th marathon. St. George runs a great marathon! I recommend it to first timers as well as serious marthoners looking for a Boston qualifier.

Beautiful course - winds through some of the dynamic buttes and high desert of southern Utah. Cactus, horses, and ancient volcanes all make their apperances over the 26.2 mile (mostly down hill) run.

The organizers provide buses out to the start, plenty of bon fires to keep you warm (but bring a piece of cardboard to sit on and/or a garbage bag for warmth).

Fantastic water and aid stations. Every station is staffed with medical staff, plenty of water/energy drink, and all the nice amenities (Vaseline, bananas, oranges, etc). Copiously staffed so no waiting for a beverage or first aid.

Finish line and finishers area is equally well supported. Plenty of refreshments and food at the end. An extra nice touch they provide... they actually RETURN your 'dropped' clothing to you! Clothing drop boxes at throughout the first 10 miles are hauled to the finish line. When you arrive the clothes have been spread out for easy identification (marked by mile marker of the box), this is done in addition to the usual pre-start bag return.

The St. George Marathon organization does a great job!

This was my fifth marathon and the best to date. My personal preference is for a smaller field and an event focused on 26.2. We had spectacular weather. The start in the dark was eerie, but stimulating, too. The sunrise was inspiring. I guess this early rising and early start is easier to bear when your body is on Eastern Time.

There were many more spectators than I expected, given the rural nature of the course. And, everyone was filled with enthusiasm.

My only concern is related to the posted map of the finish area. It was not accurate and that made connecting with family and friends a challenge. After the crowds cleared, we finally found each other.

I hadn't heard about running out of medals. I finished in 5:00 + and there seemed to be plenty at that time. What a disappointment that must have been.

If you run this marathon, participate in the chat forum! I learned so much that helped me prepare for this unique race. And it was like meeting old friends once we saw each other face to face at the bonfires.

The scenery was beautiful and the fans and volunteers were awesome. It was my birthday and I traveled from Florida to do the race. When I finished I was told that they ran out of medals; I couldn't understand how a race with entrants chosen by lottery didn't have the corresponding number of medals. There wasn't anyone announcing finishers when I came by and that was a little sad too. This was my 10th marathon so I know each one is a little different but I expected a better finish line experience. I'm sure that some of the 100 plus people that finished after me were first timers. I really can't imagine not getting a medal after completing your first.

Volunteers are by far the best! There were hundreds, and they all seemed to be families....all with smiles on their faces for hours, even though it was quite cold. I made sure I thanked every one who passed me a water. Many of the mile markers were visible from 1/2 mile away. That was very motivating. The scenery was beautiful, but it is desert. It is a different kind of beauty found with trees, water and mountains. But again, I liked being able to see what was coming. Fantastic first timers clinic.
The only thing that bothers me is there policy about letting those who injure themselves automatically in for next year. I read posts from people who did not really plan on running the marathon, but signed up for the lottery, hoping they would get a slot, and then cancel due to injury, insuring them a spot for next year. Bottom line? We were told there were 7200 registered runners. 5150 finished. That is over 2000 that didn't make it. That seems like a large percentage to me. I don't buy it.

This is an awesome marathon - picture perfect weather, superb views the entire course, great organization, and a runner friendly course . . . aka lots of downhills. Took me three years to get selected via the lottery, but well worth the wait. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I love the St. George Marathon! Love the course, the town, the organization, the spectators...
I even like almost everything post-race, the misting tunnel, the runner area with lots of food.
I just don't understand why it is so hard to find water after the race. There was water in little paper cups at one table in the food area, but I couldn't find a bottle of water, which is what I really needed at the end of the race.
It was difficult to eat some of the food, like the fresh bread, because I had nothing to wash it down with.
I have two friends who were treated for dehydration in the medical tent. Both of them finished the race, went into the post-race runner area, where they hung out for a while, getting a dixie cup of water at a time. They went to the med tent because they were feeling worse instead of better.
I'm fairly certain that both of them would have been fine if they had just been handed a bottle of water or sports drink after they finished.
This is pretty standard practice at a lot of marathons. I don't know why it isn't at St. George.

I've run this marathon a bunch of times and I'm always amazed at how much fun it is. The scenery is second to none, the organization is superb, and the city really supports the event well.
The only reason I don't give spectators five stars is because there are segments of the race where spectators can't access the course. However, there are lots of enthusiastic spectators, especially when you pass through the cities (Veyo, St. George).
My only complaint about this race was that the shirts were sized wrong. I got an extra large thinking it would be big, but it's too small to wear. It's like a medium. I heard this from many other runners. My wife got the shirt since it fits her with plenty of room.
If you can make it through the lottery to get in this race, do it! It's worth traveling for!