St. George, Utah, United States
The St. George Marathon is one of America's fastest marathons, drawing about 5,000 finishers each October on a net-downhill point-to-point from Pine Valley to St. George, Utah. The course drops through striking red-rock desert scenery in southwestern Utah with cool October desert mornings. It is a premier Boston qualifier and destination race for speed-focused runners.
St. George Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next St. George Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 3 October 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill layout.
The St. George Marathon is a net-downhill point-to-point desert course from Pine Valley down Highway 18 to St. George in southwestern Utah. The opening high-elevation descent is the easiest and fastest section if paced well, while the rolling canyon miles lower down become tougher after hours of downhill running. Spectator support is sparse on the remote route, with the biggest gatherings at the St. George finish and organised support points along the highway.
The St. George Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
For the St. George Marathon, the point-to-point course drops significantly from Pine Valley to St. George, creating a net-downhill profile ideal for personal bests and Boston qualifying.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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