St. George half marathon has businesses at full sprint preparing for tourists
St. George, Utah — (KUTV) The 35th annual St. George Half Marathon and 5K is in town bringing thousands of athletes to “Utah’s Dixie”
Kevin Lewis, a race organizer said the half marathon is a very popular run, bringing about 1,600 runners, and a race course that features popular trails that run next to the Virgin River and through some of Southern Utah’s beautiful communities.
Not only is this race attractive to the eye but it’s an event that brings some serious cash to the city of St. George, Utah.
Lewis estimates about $1.5 million will be brought in this upcoming weekend and restaurants like Twisted Noodle Cafe will be receiving some of that money due to its very specific menu catering to the needs of runners.
"We seem to be that destination restaurant,” Cameron Payne, Owner of Twisted Noodle Café said.
On race weekends, it's a full-on sprint for Payne and his crew making, everything from paleo, vegan meals, gluten-free options and of course lots and lots of pasta, which is recommended for athletes before a big race.
Payne said the days prior, and during a big weekend like this, his crew prepares an estimated 200 pasta meals for athletes and their families.
"Tons of protein, carbohydrate load, that type of thing.” Payne said. So financially, they do pretty well.
"I wouldn't say it doubles, because we actually have a really good clientele in St. George, but we do see more people in and it's just busy; the lines get longer."
Lewis said while snow falls in Salt Lake City, and many other places around Utah, this event is the perfect excuse for people to come down and take a 13.1 mile run.
"We have people from all over the western United States coming,” Lewis said. “It’s a nice kickoff it really kind of inaugurates the new year.”
St. George half marathon:
- Start time: 9 a.m.
- Fees: $55 - $65
5K:
- Start time: 9:15 AM
Move It! Kids races:
- 11 a.m.
To view the course map or to learn more about the St. George Half Marathon click: HalfMarathons.net.
