Explore more than just the race at the St. George Marathon • Salt Lake Magazine

Stuart Graves, Salt Lake City resident has run a whopping 47 marathons worldwide. Although he still runs every day, his marathon days are behind him (“I can't even imagine running a marathon again.”) He has fond memories of the St. George race, which was very special , because the course gave him two of the fastest times and was the marathon that qualified him for the Boston Marathon, the highest long-distance race, which he ran twice.

Stuart says the route is popular with runners around the world for this very reason. “It’s known as a crash course and is an approved Boston Qualifying course, so people come from all over to run it,” he says.

The location in Red Rock Country in southwestern Utah provides a dramatic backdrop for the 26.2-mile route. “You walk past lava fields and stunning red rock formations,” he says. And because the route has a good elevation gain (and therefore faster times), it offers breathtaking views along the entire route. It also helps, he says, that the race takes place in the fall. This year's date is set for Saturday, October 5th. “But it’s still pretty warm even this time of year,” says Stuart.

“It’s definitely not all downhill,” he warns. “For example, there's a great hill near Veyo, but it's an unreal environment for running.” And after the race, you can easily go for recreational hikes at nearby Snow Canyon State Park, take a dip in the reservoir at Gunlock State Park, or take a trip to Springdale and Zion National Park.

We asked Stuart for some suggestions on how to create a full marathon weekend in the South.

Find your base

The Advenire, autograph collection (marriott.com), is a boutique hotel in the small historic district of downtown St. George. The Advenire's blend of modern elegance and historic charm provides an excellent basis for a good night's sleep before race day. The Red Mountain Resort (redmountainresort.com) in nearby Ivins is another option that focuses on wellness and spa services to help you calm your pre-marathon nerves or post-marathon recovery. Stuart also says runners might consider staying in Cedar City, about an hour north of St. George. “I never really sleep the night before a marathon,” he says. “And the rooms in St. George fill up quickly, so a year ago I just got up an hour earlier and made my way from Cedar City.”

Fuel before the race

The day before the race you can have lunch at Riggatti's Wood Fired Pizza (riggattis.com), where the thin, crispy crust and fresh ingredients ensure a perfect balance of flavors. The spinach and ricotta pizza paired with a crunchy Caesar salad is an excellent choice for a light meal.

For dinner, try Cappeletti's (cappelettisrestaurantstgeorge.com), a cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of St. George. Pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo are carbohydrate-rich treats.

The marathon

Race day comes early. St. George is an out-and-back race where runners are taken to the start line by buses. “It’s a nice feature of the route,” says Stuart. “Even if you have to get up earlier, it's much nicer to run back into town than to do a loop that requires you to run the same terrain twice.” The marathon route showcases the majestic red rock formations outside St. George and as you return to town and the finish line, the route is lined with cheering crowds. “Even though it’s a big race, it still feels like a small town and the crowds are so supportive,” Stuart says.

Enjoyment after the race

Celebrate your success (hopefully) with a post-race feast at the Cliffside Restaurant (Cliffsiderestaurant.com). The restaurant is located on a hill and offers breathtaking views of St. George and the surrounding desert. Indulge in Surf and Turf – a ribeye steak and fresh seafood platter accompanied by a refreshing mojito. The sunset over the red cliffs is the perfect end to a marathon day.

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