ST. GEORGE — Set upon a river’s edge, complete with views of soul-stirring landscapes, affable participants and winter temperatures that are the envy of the Wasatch Front, the Virgin River Half Marathon is set for its 42nd edition.
A celebration of nature and fitness — and the longest running 13.1-mile race in Southern Utah — will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. The race begins and ends in front of the Dixie Convention Center.
“Whether you’re a seasoned runner seeking a new challenge or a nature enthusiast eager to see our outdoor beauty, the Virgin River Half Marathon promises an unforgettable experience,” Aaron Metler, recreation manager for Races and Events at the city of St. George, said in a news release. “There are not many places in our region where you can run a half marathon in the middle of January.”
In most years, approximately two-thirds of Virgin River Half participants are from outside Southern Utah — including a large number from the Wasatch Front. This year, the event features runners from 16 different states.
The course is known for being challenging and yet rewarding in nature, with elevation changes, winding trails and the occasional river crossing.
There will also be races of smaller lengths, including:
5 kilometers (9:15 a.m.)
10 kilometers (9:20 a.m.)
Fun Run Walk n’ Roll (11 a.m.)
Click here for race information course maps.
St. George Races (SGR), a division within the Leisure Services Department of the City of St. George, hosts a variety of half marathons, 10K, 5K, kids runs, triathlons, bike events, relays and other special events throughout the city of St. George and Washington County. SGR offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for area businesses and utilizes the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.
Race map and staging areas pictured below.
Map shows the course of the Virgin River Half Marathon, Jan. 13, 2024 | Image courtesy of city of St. George, St. George News | Click to enlarge
Map shows the staging area for the Virgin River Half Marathon, Jan. 13, 2024 | Image courtesy of city of St. George, St. George News | Click to enlarge