**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 28, 2026
Media contact:
David Cordero
Email: david.cordero@sgcityutah.gov
Phone: 435-627-4051
New ‘50 Years Running’ book captures indelible memories
of half-century of St. George Marathon excellence
Book can be purchased online at Marathon website and Marathon Expo
ST. GEORGE — For the past five decades, runners from around the world have marveled at the
majestic views, outstanding organization and unparalleled volunteer support of the St. George
Marathon. This year, the international field of athletes has even more reason to celebrate: Each
runner will be part of the race’s golden anniversary.
To mark this momentous occasion, slated for October 3, 2026, the City of St. George has
published a new book detailing its history.
“50 Years Running: St. George Marathon 1977-2026”
will be available to purchase at the Marathon Expo on October 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well
as online at stgeorgemarathon.com/shop.
“We are truly excited to share this visual and literary record of our city’s signature event,” said
St. George Mayor Jimmie Hughes. “Our marathon has grown from a tiny race — with just 38
finishers the first year — to an internationally renowned competition ranked among the top 10
marathons in the world. We hope everyone in the St. George community, especially the
thousands of runners and volunteers who’ve been a part of the marathon for 50 years, will want
to order a copy of this keepsake book.”
50 Years Running is packed full of athletes’ and supporters’ memories, funny quotes, interesting
sidebars and more. Richly illustrated with beautiful photos, each year of the marathon is
accounted for, including the number of registered athletes and finishers, along with archival
articles and race anecdotes.
C I T Y O F S T. G E O R G E
435-627-4000 | 61 S. Main - St. George, UT 84770 | sgcityutah.gov
In addition to sales of the book for $25 through the St. George Marathon website, 50 Years
Running will also be available for purchase at this year’s Marathon Expo on October 2, 2026 at
the Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
About the author
50 Years Running was crafted by Marianne Hamilton, who divides her time between marketing
and grants writing for the City of St. George, and contributing articles to local publications,
including Southern Utah Health & Wellness (for whom she’s been a Community & Culture
author for the past 12 years), St. George City Lifestyle magazine, Inside St. George, Timeout
Magazine, and others.
A marathoner herself, Marianne — along with her husband Doug, a St. George Races employee
— is a Race Director for the Huntsman World Senior Games’ race walking and power walking
events. Both Hamiltons are Huntsman World Senior Games Hall of Fame inductees.
More information
stgeorgemarathon.com/shop
About the City of St. George
St. George is the largest city in Washington County and the fifth-largest city in Utah with more
than 100,000 residents. In recent years, people from across the United States have been
attracted to St. George’s world class healthcare, active lifestyle, access to university education
and proximity to unrivaled recreation. Scenic beauty abounds throughout the city and region
including Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Reservoirs and Zion National
Park. With an average of about 300 days of sunshine per year, the community welcomes all to
live, work, play and eat and experience the ‘Brighter Side’ in St. George, Utah.
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C I T Y O F S T. G E O R G E
435-627-4000 | 61 S. Main - St. George, UT 84770 | sgcityutah.gov
