Salt lake resident Stuart Graves has run a whopping 47 marathons worldwide. Although he still runs every day, his marathoning days are behind him (“I can’t even imagine doing a marathon again.”) He has fond memories of the St. George race which was extra special because the course gave him two of his fastest times and was the marathon that qualified him for the pinnacle of distance running The Boston Marathon, which he’s run twice.
Stuart says that the course is popular with runners around the world precisely for that reason. “It’s known as a fast course and is a sanctioned Boston qualifier, so people come from all over to run it,” he says.
Its setting in the red rock country of Southwestern Utah provides a dramatic backdrop for the 26.2 miles. “You are running past lava fields, stunning red rock formations,” he says. And, because the course has a good elevation drop (hence faster times), it provides stunning views the entire way. It also helps, he says, that the race is in the fall. This year’s date is set for Saturday, Oct. 5. “But it’s still pretty warm even that time of year,” Stuart says.
“It’s definitely not all downhill,” he cautions. “There’s a butt kicker of a hill near Veyo for example but it’s an otherworldly setting to run in.” And, after the race, it’s easy to take recovery hikes in nearby Snow Canyon State Park, take a dip in the reservoir at Gunlock State Park or venture to Springdale and Zion National Park.
We asked Stuart for some suggestions on creating a complete marathon weekend down south.
Find your Base
The Advenire, Autograph Collection (marriott.com), is a boutique hotel in downtown St. George’s small historic district. The Advenire’s blend of modern elegance and historical charm create an excellent base to get some quality sleep before race day. The Red Mountain Resort (redmountainresort.com) in nearby Ivins, is another option that includes a focus on wellness and spa services to help you calm your nerves before or recover after the marathon. Stuart also says runners can consider staying in Cedar City, about an hour north of St. George. “I never really sleep the night before a marathon,” he says. “And rooms fill up fast in St. George so one year, I just got up an hour earlier and made the trip down from Cedar City.”
Pre-Race fuel
The day before the race, get lunch at Riggatti’s Wood Fired Pizza (riggattis.com), where the thin, crispy crust and fresh ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors. The spinach and ricotta pizza, paired with a crisp Caesar salad, is an excellent choice for a light meal.
For dinner, try Cappeletti’s (cappelettisrestaurantstgeorge.com), a cozy Italian restaurant located in the heart of St. George. Pasta dishes, like Fettuccine Alfredo are carb-heavy splurges.
The Marathon
Race day comes early. St. George is an out-and-back race where runners are bussed to the starting line. “It’s a nice feature of the route,” Stuart says. “Even though you have to get up earlier, it’s much nicer running back into town, rather than a loop, which means you have to run the same terrain twice.” The marathon route shows off the majestic red rock formations outside of St. George and as you return to the town and finish line, the route is lined with cheering crowds. “Even though this is a big race, it still feels like a small town and the crowds are so supportive,” Stuart says.
Post-Race Indulgence
Celebrate your accomplishment (hopefully) with a post-race feast at Cliffside Restaurant (cliffsiderestaurant.com). Perched atop a hill, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of St. George and the surrounding desert. Spoil yourself with the surf and turf—a Ribeye steak and a fresh seafood platter, washed down by a refreshing Mojito. The sunset over the red cliffs is the perfect end to a marathon day.
