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One of the final major marathon events of the year in Southern Utah, the Snow Canyon Half Marathon is a family-friendly half marathon race buoyed by a series of related events.

On Nov. 2, there will be a 5K, a fun run, and the aforementioned half marathon all surrounding Snow Canyon High School.

“There are race distances for the whole family,” said Aaron Metler, Recreation Supervisor – Races and Special Events for the City of St. George. “Those who choose the half marathon course will be enthralled by breathtaking views of Snow Canyon State Park.”

Here is everything you need to know about this weekend’s Snow Canyon Half Marathon.

Course Map and Road Closures

Snow Canyon Half Marathon Course Full by Spectrum Media on Scribd

The course will begin at the Red Mountain Trailhead just south of Dammeron Valley and end at Snow Canyon High School.

Certified by USA Track & Field, the downhill course is fast but difficult and has very scenic landscapes of Snow Canyon State Park and the red rocks of Southern Utah.

Snow Canyon Drive through Snow Canyon State Park will be closed from approximately 8-11 a.m. on Nov. 2. for the half marathon.

No cars will be allowed in or out of the park until the road reopens.

Race Info

Snow Canyon 5K course with road closures by Spectrum Media on Scribd

There will be aid stations stocked with water and Gatorade for the runners at miles 4, 7.6, 9, 10.7 and 12, with a station at the turnaround for the 5K.

Buses will leave from Snow Canyon High School from 6-7 a.m. to take you to the start line and you must ride the buses to get there as the race will begin at 8:30 a.m.

While all finishers will receive a finisher medallion, there is a time limit of three hours and 30 minutes — a pace of about 16 minutes per mile.

Competitors finishing after that will receive a DNF in the official results.

Awards will be given out for the top three male and female finishers in each five-year age category.

St. George Running Center will be giving out prizes to the top 50 male and top 50 female finishers as well.

The half marathon will finish at Snow Canyon High School but the 5K and fun run will begin at the high school, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively.

This year is particularly special as the approximate number of participants registered are the most for the Snow Canyon Half Marathon since 2013.

Two-thirds of the race participants will be women and of the approximately 2,300 racers, 80 percent will be coming from outside of Washington County, representing 30 different states across the country.

Guinness World Record attempt

This year’s marathon is not devoid of a little high stakes race action as one man is attempting to set a world record.

St. George resident Josh Conner will be attempting a Guinness World Record for the fastest time run over a half marathon distance dressed as a rancher.

Conner will be one of 2,300 people running in the marathon, but the only individual wearing the swag of a wrangler.

“He’s going to wear chaps and everything,” said Metler. “It will be great to watch!”

The record was set just a few days ago on Oct. 21, 2019 when Calum Knott ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 1 hour, 51 minutes and 29 seconds, topping the previous record by about 27 seconds.

Whether you come to see a world record fall or just to enjoy the beautiful scenery and community aspect of the races, the Snow Canyon Half Marathon is one of the premier events in Southern Utah.

Follow reporter Terell Wilkins on Twitter, @SpeedyVeritas, call him at 252-367-8463 or email him at twilkins@thespectrum.com.

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