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Wednesday, October 25 4 - 8 INDOORp.m.MARKET
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7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Red Hills Desert Garden
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
LERNER AND LOEWE’S CAMELOT St. George Musical Theater
Saturday, October 29
Staheli Family Farm
LERNER AND LOEWE’S CAMELOT St. George Musical Theater
7:30 - 9 HALLOWEENp.m. SPOOKTACULAR Cox Performing Arts Center
Staheli Family Farm
12 - 10 FARMLAND,p.m. CORN MAIZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH
FIELD OF SCREAMS
7:30 - 10 THRILLERp.m.
Heritage Arts & Event Center
7:30 - 9 HALLOWEENp.m. SPOOKTACULAR Cox Performing Arts Center
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
LERNER AND LOEWE’S CAMELOT St. George Musical Theater
5 - 10 SCARECROWp.m. WALK & HAUNTED CANYON
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
9 a.m. - 12 HURRICANEp.m.UTAH FARMERS MARKET
7:30 - 10 THRILLERp.m.
7:30 - 10 THRILLERp.m.
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
FOODIE FIELDTRIP WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC ST. GEORGE Pioneer Courthouse
Tuacahn Amphitheatre
LERNER AND LOEWE’S CAMELOT St. George Musical Theater
Friday, October 28
Thursday, October 27
7 - 11 FIESTAp.m.FRIGHT HAUNTED HOUSE Fiesta Fun Center
Hurricane City Leisure and Rec Center
8:30 - 11:30 HURRICANEa.m.IRONMAN BREAKFAST SR-7 and 3000 S. Intersection
In addition to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, Greater Zion offers all kinds of entertainment options this week and every week of the year. See below for the IRONMAN Week lineup:
7 - 11 FIESTAp.m.FRIGHT HAUNTED HOUSE Fiesta Fun Center
Tuesday, October 25
Everyday Oct. 24 – Oct. 29
7:30 - 10 THRILLERp.m. Tuacahn Amphitheatre
7:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Monday, October 24
8:30 - 11:30 HURRICANEa.m.IRONMAN BREAKFAST SR-7 and 3000 S. Intersection
7:30 - 10 THRILLERp.m.
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
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“I always loved the vibe and the challenge of the course,” said Wurtele. “I mean we do these things because they’re hard, right?” Wurtele considers the Greater Zion course one of the five hardest IRONMAN courses in the world, and the only course in the United States that she offers this honor to.
Heather says she wasn’t surprised to see the area host so many championship-level events recently because the course always felt like it belonged on an international stage. “The inaugural IRONMAN back in 2010 was so well run, and had such amazing volunteer and community support, it felt like a championship venue even then,” she said.
IRONMAN® triathlons aren’t supposed to be easy. Athletes train for months, even years, for the honor of proving themselves as they swim, bike and run for a grueling 70.3 or 140.6 miles, depending on the format. The events take place on a global scale, and finishing, or even stepping up to compete in an IRONMAN anywhere is an honor to be relished.
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As with any event though, over the years some IRONMAN courses, like the one in Greater Zion, have developed a certain mystique and have taken on an almost legendary status among the competitors. The course is celebrated both for its beauty and its ability to truly test the competitor’s mettle. With a number of championship-level events, including three IRONMAN World Championships in 13 months between 2021 and 2022, the region is also developing a status as a destination where champions are made.
To determine how this IRONMAN course began to develop this status, who better to speak to than some of the early competitors and champions to get their impressions on how the legend grew, what makes the area special and what it takes to win.
“The kind of hard courses that appeal to me are ones with challenging terrain,” said Wurtele. “[I like courses] where you are not limited by physiological factors and have to pace to avoid heat stroke, but rather where you can fully express your fitness by giving it all you’ve got, nose in the wind, all day.”
In 2010, St. George hosted the area’s first-ever IRONMAN. The event truly lived up to the IRONMAN moniker, by presenting a tough challenge in the form of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run. Canadian Heather Wurtele, claimed the gold for women that day, a feat she repeated the next year. A few years later, she followed that up as a twotime champion of IRONMAN® 70.3® St. George.
Beyond the challenge of the course, there are a few specific portions that Wurtele noted as granting the area legendary status. “The orange sand out at Sand Hollow and the sandstone formations in contrast with black lava flows throughout the area, notably on the climb through Snow Canyon, are so beautiful!” exclaimed Wurtele. “I really find the desert terrain uniquely awe-inspiring and this seems to give me a boost both in training and on race day.”
“For us, a big thing that makes Greater Zion a great training destination is the cycling infrastructure,” she said. “When you spend as many hours on the bike as IRONMAN athletes need to, it’s critical to have a variety of roads where you feel safe cycling. The nice highways with big shoulders, quiet backroads, and the many cycling/multi-use paths all around St. George are all awesome! The running and swimming options are fantastic too. The water fountains along the Virgin River Trail and around the Mayor’s Loop are lifesavers for long-run days, and it is great to have so many indoor and outdoor pools to choose from. The climate in the area makes it a perfect training destination in early spring and late fall for people from colder, snowy places too.”
American Ben Hoffman, was also on the winner’s podium in 2012 after taking first place in the men’s division. Hoffman, known to many as “the Hoff,” placed second at the 2014 IRONMAN World Championship and was the 2019 IRONMAN Africa Champion. When asked about his personal “bests” and favorite memories from Greater Zion though, his list extends well beyond the course.
“Some of my most fond memories in the 20 plus years that I have been IRONMAN racing on the circuit is our time in St. George, Utah,” she said. Perhaps her affection for the destination keeps leading her back, since she noted she has competed in every IRONMAN in Greater Zion with one exception.
For Kessler, the legendary nature of the region is about more than just the quality of the course, but also extends to the caliber of the people who inhabit the area. Kessler, who is noted by her friends and family for her desire to live in a world that values gratitude and awareness of others, also pointed to the spirit of hospitality as reason she enjoys racing here.
Now retired from triathlon, Wurtele and her husband, Trevor, who was also a professional triathlete, spent six years living full-time and travelling to train in their RV, dubbed “The Regal.” She noted that they choose to spend a large portion of that time living in Greater Zion, that due in no small part to the weather, road conditions and the stunning landscape.
Similar to Wurtele, Kessler singles out the Greater Zion course for the beauty and challenge presented and also notes the diverse, cultural, friendly, beautiful and enriching nature of the events. “The eclectic town is so welcoming, inviting and the race alone is one of the best, if not the best, in North America in my opinion! It is a true champion’s course and it epitomizes the meaning of “Beauty and the Beast.”
In 2012, the St. George area hosted another full-distance IRONMAN, and this time American Meredith Kessler took the top spot for women. Kessler continues to race with success and to date holds five consecutive titles at IRONMAN New Zealand, 11 IRONMAN Championships and 11 IRONMAN 70.3 Championships. With all that triumph and travel, it is obvious that the destination holds a storied and special place in Kessler’s heart though.
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“Greater Zion’s uniqueness and exquisite nature is one of a kind and is not something that can be completely found in other triathlon destinations, strictly because it truly has everything within its surroundings! Not only do you have a welcoming culture and town that invites you into their community with positivity and grace, yet you also have so many conventional and authentic conveniences at your fingertips. The outdoor activities alone make you want to visit Greater Zion to enjoy the absolute beauty of the outdoors whether it is running, mountain biking or hiking through Zion National Park – there is so many inviting things to make you want to keep coming back!”
Hoffman, who began training in the St. George area in college, due to the favorable weather conditions, said a combination of factors sets it apart and grants the area a legendary status. “St. George is first and foremost an incredibly unique and beautiful natural environment, with stunning landscapes and vistas around every turn. Additionally, St. George is a community of active and passionate people who are truly invested in the event and experience for all the athletes. When you combine these elements, it creates a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone who participates and contributes to the success of the race.”
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“Winning the IRONMAN in 2012 was a big accomplishment, as well as placing in the top 10 at the IRONMAN World Championship event this year,” said Hoffman. “One of my favorite memories is the beginning of a weeklong camping trip after the race in 2017, starting in Zion National Park. My wife and I brought a small group of family along and we were married a week after the race in a canyon in Utah.”
For Hoffman, there are a few spots on the Greater Zion course that challenge competitors and lend to the area’s legendary status. “Definitely the climb up towards Gunlock Reservoir where I was blown off the road by a massive gust of wind in 2012,” he said. “Of course, ‘The Wall’ climb that leads into Veyo is always incredibly challenging and memorable, and then riding through Snow Canyon is pure magic. It’s impossible to describe just how special that section of the course is, and it seems like a dream every time.”
According to The Hoff, competitors are missing out on a vital part of the legend of the area if they limit their experience just to the race course though. “Make sure to give yourself a few days post-race to explore some of the landscape that you whizzed by on race day,” he advised. “Snow Canyon is easily accessible and completely awe-inspiring. You could also take it easy in town and take your kids to one of the fantastic parks around town. My kids could spend an entire day splashing in the play creek in Town Square Park. Obviously, a trip to Zion is a bucket list, but even that is not necessary to enjoy the immense beauty of the area.”
Hoffman at the finish line of the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission
But just 10 miles onto the run course, Arthur found himself hunched miserably by the side of the road, his body seemingly ejecting every meal he’d consumed in the prior six weeks. Indeed, for the first 20 miles of the marathon, he was unable to keep any sort of nutrient or fluid down.
Arthur, a native of Hurricane, where he works as a city engineer, has been an athlete since his youth. In the months leading up to the May event in St. George, he had trained as well as possible, and felt confident when the starting gun went off. He’d easily made it through the 2.4-mile swim, and had conquered the 112-mile bike course, despite steadily rising temperatures and winds. As he began the third leg of the event – the full marathon run of 26.2 miles – his spirits were still relatively high.
Spotting his malaise, members of the IRONMAN team sprinted to his sides to offer support. Did Arthur wish to be taken to the medical tent and end his race, they asked? He says he gave the suggestion serious consideration – for roughly a minute.
Like many IRONMAN competitors, Arthur LeBaron reached a point during the 2021 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commissions when he wondered whether he’d make it over the finish line. But he never questioned why he’d ever attempted the grueling contest in the first place.
“That run just broke me,” Arthur recalls ruefully. “As Mike
Tyson once said, ‘everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.’ Being on my hands and knees, puking on the road, was just not what I ever thought was going to happen. But IRONMAN has this cool mantra, that ‘anything is possible,’ and they acknowledge that miracles happen in people’s lives. I believe there’s no other explanation for what happened to me. It was truly a miracle that I was able to get going again, and finally stumble across the finish line.”
Arthur is the first to acknowledge that he is not a member of the elite category of IRONMAN athletes. His job – which sees him interacting daily with land developers, offering support for new city infrastructure projects, and much more – consumes a significant amount of time. In his remaining free hours, Arthur and his wife Andrea are parents to seven children, ranging in ages from 7 to 25. He credits his spouse (now one of the coaches of Hurricane’s Flying Tigers mountain bike team) with being the inspiration for his IRONMAN quest.
However, Arthur would be plagued by lower back issues; specifically, a ruptured lumbar disc that still troubles him to this day.
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“In 2009, Andrea was invited to run the St. George Marathon with a friend,” Arthur says. “Before that she’d never even done a 5K; she just wasn’t a serious runner. But I saw the effort she put into that, and she really inspired me. By that time she’d had six kids, and I remember thinking ‘man, if she can do that, what’s my problem?’ So that started the journey for me.”
And the severe intestinal distress, momre aches and pains than he could have imagined, and feaarrs that he’d never the disstance, he did, in fact, hear the sixx covets: “Ar thur LeBaron, YOU arae an IRONMAN!”
2013 IRONMAN hee ffeelt weelll-trained and able to takee onn whatever the courssee had to offere – that is, until he the “run.Ifelett
way,y Arthur says he learned vital lessonnss, which hee ttoo as he ththe innvvittationn to in this falll’ss IRRONMANN 70.3 Woorrldd in SSt GGeeorge.
Still, Arthur never thought of himself as “that guy” who could become an IRONMAN. While dealing with his back issues, he continued to volunteer at the event for the next several years. Then in 2012, he learned that the IRONMAN organization planned to present a 70.3 version of the triathlon, half the distance of an IRONMAN.
He did register for the next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 in St. George – and the next year’s, and the next year’s, and every IRONMAN contest of that distance held here ever since. “I like to be the local who always shows up for the local races,” Arthur says. So, when the announcement came that the World Championships would not be held in Kona, but would be staged here for the first time ever, Arthur felt obligated to show up for that one as well – despite the fact that all three triathlon distances would be double what he’d conquered in the past.
Again, with Andrea’s and the children’s blessings, Arthur committed himself to the training regimen needed to bring him to the starting line at Sand Hollow Reservoir on May 7. And despite the severe intestinal distress, more aches and pains than he could have imagined, and fears that he’d never go the distance, he did, in fact, hear the six words that every competitor covets: “Arthur LeBaron, YOU are an IRONMAN!”
e’s tax returns ike I could fi ts was not
“I felt as horrible as I’ve ever felt,” he con lowest low; I was hating myself, and hating the whole world, because I felt so bad, and was questioning why I’d actually paid money to put myself through that. Fast-forward an hour later, nish line and already thinking about signing
“Iddayy.’v’e leeaarneed that a four disscipplilnes: and finishes. “It’s really beben a funnu that
Along the way, Arthur says he learned vital lessons, which he hopes to keep top-of-mind as he accepts the invitation to compete in this fall’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in
someone to run after your bike for three hhoours! It all sort of caamme down on me; how didfficulutt iit to even 700..33
nitely had
Says Arthur, “We were out at the 2010 swim start, and it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. It was so exciting, looking into the eyes of the athletes, and trying to imagine the sacri they’d made to be there. I tried to visualize the journey they’d be on that day, and it was so inspiring, so awesome.”
as horrirblbee as I’vve eeverre hee connofidees.s “ThhTaatt wasa myy looweewsts loww;; I was hhaatitngg and hatinnig thhee whwholee worldd, bbecaaussue I fefelt so badd, and was queusttiioningng I’dd moneeyy tot put thtatt FFast-fforward an hour later, I was crrosossising the finish line annd about up for neexxtt yeyar!”
“II reallized I can dod a lot more than I I coould..d Whooeeveer that can swim 2.4 thaht seemms like infi And then 1122 milies, annd mosts will never be able to their mmentaal armmss aaroundd all of that in one
“I remembered myself swimming as a 12-year-old, but in my 39-year-old body, it just wasn’t the same,” Arthur admits. “I was coughing, sputtering, having dark thoughts about drowning. Running, too, should be pretty elemental. But I challenge someone to run after riding your bike for three hours! It all sort of came crashing down on me; how di would be to do even the 70.3 distance.”
Fortunately, Arthur found a way to muscle through his worries, and get himself into competitive shape. Signing up for the 2013 IRONMAN 70.3, he felt well-trained and able to take on er – that is, until he began the
“I realized I can do a lot more than I thought I could. Whoever imagines that they can swim 2.4 miles; that seems like in nity! And then riding 112 miles, and then running a marathon … most people will never be able to wrap their mental arms around doing all of that in one
arrt, anandd itt wass ngg, looking intoo thhee sascrcifices gome.”uy”who
“I’ve learned that a triathlon is actually four disciplines: swimming, biking, running, and determination,” Arthur been a fun journey; I’m so grateful that IRONMAN is here in our area.”
Fortunately, Arthuuhrr ffound a wayy tot muscle through his woworriiess, inntot
AAndrdeaea’s’ and the children’s Arthur committeed himself him to thee at Sand Hollow
“I thought ‘shoot, a commoner like me should be able to do that,’” Arthur laughs. “By then, I’d completed the St. George Marathon once, and had done a few half marathons. But I didn’t have a road bike, a wetsuit, or goggles. So, I defi some work to do to get ready for that race.”
He did reeggissitetrr foorr thee nneextt year’ss IRRONNMMAN 70.3 in St. – and the nenexxtt year’s, and thhe nexxet evevrr
local who shows upp ffor the locaal when the annnoouuncnemment caame thhat ththe World would nott bebe heelld in Konnoa,, butu wouuldd bee rst timee evveer, Arrthurr feflt to shsow up for that one as well – dessppitee thhee facatt thatt alll thrheee triratthlhono distances would be double whhatt he’’d iin thee
“For several years, any kind of physical activity was difficult for me,” he notes. While struggling to make it through his workouts, Arthur was recruited to provide breakfast concessions for the inaugural edition of IRONMAN in St. George. It was his first exposure to the world of endurance triathlon. And he was hooked instantly.
rganizationon,halfthebeabletodoheSt.Georgehons.ButIdidn’t
ack issues, he xt several years.
With Andrea’s approval, Arthur took the couple’s tax returns and bought what he calls “the cheapest road bike I could nd,” and procured a used wetsuit on eBay. Then his training began in earnest – although prowess in all three sports was not immediately forthcoming.
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Once you’ve arrived at Sand Hollow, make your way around the transition area to the spectator viewing area, just past where athletes enter the swim staging chute. You can line the transition area and the shoreline to watch the athletes enter and exit the water. As they exit the water, athletes run from the ramp to where their bikes are mounted in a fenced transition area (T1), toward the north end of the parking lot, then walk their bike to the starting chute before mounting for the bike course.
Spectator Area at Sand Hollow
A) Sand Hollow Reservoir
water and start their bike. The Dixie Center-to-Town-Square shuttle will run all day so spectators can get back to their cars.
IfCity.not
making your way to the Start, spectators can watch a live stream of the Pro Start (and remainder of the race) in Town Square Park. Gather at the stage on the steps at IRONMAN Village to watch the live coverage.
Greater Zion is your front-row seat to all the action. Scout out a location or two to catch the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission
Spectators are encouraged to park at the Dixie Center and take the shuttle to downtown, then catch the Sand Hollow shuttle. Return shuttles will drop off spectators back downtown. Spectator shuttles will continue to run into St. George starting shortly after the start of the race, till the last athletes exit the
Spectators can line the transition area and the beginning section of the bike course from the reservoir to the Park Entrance Station to watch the cyclists depart. Before the park exit, athletes make a left turn onto Sand Hollow South Beach Access Road, a new section which cuts through a mile-long stretch of brilliant orange sand dunes and provides access to an out-andback on SR-7/Southern Parkway, as it heads toward Hurricane
Sand Hollow Reservoir in Hurricane is one of most unique and scenic swim venues on the IRONMAN® circuit. The crystal blue waters make ideal swim conditions for athletes. Sunrises here can be indescribable, and the desert scenery is unlike anywhere in the Watchingworld.the
To view the Pro Start at Sand Hollow, spectators can begin to board shuttles at 100 South, near Main Street at 6:30 a.m. Athletes will have priority boarding from 4:30-6:30 a.m.
Match the letter with the locations on the course map found on pages 18-19.
start of the race is exciting, but it requires detailed planning. There is only one entrance into Sand Hollow State Park and the bike course limits access in and out. Because of this, the only way to access the starting area is by riding the mandatory shuttle. Shuttling to the Swim Start is mandatory; access by personal vehicles is prohibited on race day.
Note: To view the Pro Start at 7:30 a.m. at Sand Hollow, we estimate that spectators must be on board a shuttle at the Dixie Center prior to 5:30 a.m. To view the Pro Finish at Town Square, spectators must be on board a return shuttle at Sand Hollow before 9:30 a.m. Arrival times for spectator shuttles are not guaranteed. Please account for traffic congestion, parking and walking distances when planning your day.
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Spectator Area in Washington
Located on 300 South, between 300 East and 400 East, Vernon Worthen Park is another excellent location to see runners. This park is tree-lined with lots of places to cheer on athletes. Park on neighboring streets.
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E) Vernon Worthen Park (Run)
Spectator Areas in St. George
Red Hills Parkway takes cyclists over St. George City. Cyclists ride east to west from 1000 East to Bluff Street. This is an ideal viewing location for pedestrians who don’t mind walking up to the area. During the race, Red Hills Parkway is accessible only by foot via 200 East/Skyline Drive, or from 900 East. Red Hills Parkway from 900 East to Bluff Street will be completely closed for vehicle traffic during the race. We recommend parking on surface streets between Main Street and 200 East then walking up Skyline Drive to the viewing area. Note: Main Street will be closed from 200 North to 100 South on race day.
The IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship course brings cyclists over I-15 on Washington Parkway, all the way up to Green Spring Drive where they make a left turn and quickly descend. Catch the bikers at Main Street and Washington Parkway, accessing the area via West Buena Vista Boulevard, or coming up Main Street from Telegraph Street. There is ample parking on the streets nearby.
The overpass at 3000 South and SR-7/Southern Parkway in Hurricane is a great spectator location for those coming from Hurricane City on the East side of the course. The Southern Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic, so access this viewing location via 700 West (Airport Road) from any location east of the Southern Parkway. Note: Traffic on SR-9 west of the Southern Parkway is not recommended on race day. Please adjust your travel plans accordingly.
B) Overpass at 3000 South and SR-7 (Bike)
C) Main Street at Washington Parkway (Bike)
D) Red Hills Parkway near Pioneer Park (Bike)
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Curtis and Melissa at the True Grit race
St. George Police Department, Captain of the Administrative Services Division
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Greater Zion resident Curtis Spragg has competed in almost every IRONMAN race in the area. Like most athletes, he does it for love, but in his case, it’s more than just the love of the sport, it’s also for the love of his wife. When possible, Spragg and his wife, Melissa, have made it a tradition to swim, bike and run to celebrate their anniversary during IRONMAN events.
Many of the key players behind the scenes of an IRONMAN® event, in particular an IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship, are somewhat familiar faces in the community. They serve as part of the police department or hospital or local park staffs on a daily basis, but they step up when IRONMAN comes to town. Each of them finds inspiration in the jobs they do, the stellar IRONMAN athletes and their performance, as well as our gorgeous surroundings. And we marvel as these Legends Among Us … both in their daily roles and in producing these worldwide events.
make the events as successful as they are. I have heard race directors every year mention how our local community is not only majestic to look at, but the event’s biggest success comes from the great volunteers and community support. The race directors cannot say enough good about our citizens, and that gives me a lot of pride to know I am part of Whenthat.”
“I love living in Southern Utah,” said Spragg. “Our area provides such a majestic landscape and wonderful recreational activities. My wife and I have competed in almost every IRONMAN event held here in St. George, along with many other cycling and running events. In fact, IRONMAN weekend falls on our wedding anniversary and we have made it part of our marriage to enjoy competing in IRONMAN together as part of our anniversary.”
Riding is part of the job
As the 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission draws near, Spragg is gearing up, but his work extends beyond the typical training regimen you might expect. As the Captain of the Administrative Services Division of the St. George Police Department, Spragg also works behind the scenes to help make IRONMAN in St. George a success. He begins by meeting with race officials to ensure a safe race route for participants and minimize the impact to residents. Spragg continues by coordinating efforts between city officials including law enforcement, first responders, the street department and others to ensure everyone understands their role in keeping the venue and residents safe and mitigating any He’sconcerns.motivated to support community events like IRONMAN thanks to a deep love for and pride in his community. “I truly enjoy these large events coming to our community,” said Spragg. “It speaks volumes about the quality of our citizens who are so willing to volunteer their time and effort to
When the sporty Spraggs aren’t gearing up for IRONMAN, you might find them on the local mountain bike trails. The whole Spragg family has caught the competition bug, with the couple’s two children becoming members of their local high school mountain bike team. “My wife and I help coach on the team,” said Spragg. “It has become a great way for our family to spend time together throughout the week and travel to events to compete as a family. I believe these experiences have brought us closer together as a family and gives us a unique bond.”
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Get to know other legends among us that help make it all possible by scanning the QR code below or by IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com/blog.visiting
Bike riding is a family activity
of the third world championship-level IRONMAN to take place in Greater Zion in 13 months, Spragg is excited by the value the events continue to bring to the community he loves. In particular, he says, “I find it exciting to bring in thousands of good people into our community,” said Spragg. “I don’t know of many other large events that bring this type of economic impact to a community [with participants] staying for multiple days at local hotels, eating in local restaurants, spending money at local businesses and still going to bed at a reasonable hour without drawing on the resources of our police department.”
asked about the most gratifying part of supporting IRONMAN events, you might expect to hear Spragg, a consummate competitor, discuss the success of crossing the finish line. Instead, here too he speaks of his pride in the residents of the area. “I think it all comes together when I hear how much the athletes have enjoyed interacting with our citizens,” he said. “I think that is something to be proud of as a Withcommunity.”theapproach
Curtis competing in Frog Hollow
Bringing an iconic sporting event to St. George In 2007, Daren Brooks, a St. George native, had recently completed an IRONMAN race in Arizona when he thought, “Why not bring IRONMAN to St. George?” Daren is the visionary who presented the idea to Kevin Lewis, the then
The 2022 Intermountain Healthcare IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship presented by Utah Sports Commission is coming to the rugged and scenic St. George, the “Land of Endurance,” October 28-29, an iconic sporting event reminiscent of the region’s pioneer history, bringing resilient men and women from across the globe to the region, legends in their own right, each with their own personal story of battle and triumph.
Daren has done multiple IRONMAN races in St. George, Arizona, and Houston, and says the St. George course is the most scenic, spectacular course on the whole circuit. Something else Daren believes to be special – the people who settled St. George, saying that history is fraught with amazing men and women. Those pioneers who came across the plains, a lot of them died. They lost family members, friends, and a lot of them lost their health, he explained.
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director of sports and adventure marketing with the Washington County Tourism Office. Daren made a lot of the initial calls and knocked on many doors before other individuals took over the heavy lifting to bring the first IRONMAN race to St. George in 2010.
St. George’s first IRONMAN® was in 2010; it was the event that sparked the world championship evolution. Since then, the city has hosted two more full-distance IRONMAN races and eight IRONMAN 70.3s, earning three world championships in just three years – indicative of the community’s determination, grit, and extension beyond its capacity, characteristics of strength, intrinsic to IRONMAN and its athletes’ battles of wills. Now, 12 years after the city’s first IRONMAN, the community of St. George rises again to the world stage.
Jokingly, the bike crew was saying they didn’t sign up for the job, having to clean the road beforehand after the animals went through. “So, that was an interesting one!” Then one night, Roch and Paul were pleasantly surprised by the local hospitality when one of the captains built an imu pit (an underground oven) to cook a pig. They cooked the pig all night, and that’s what they fed volunteers the next day.
Steve sat them down at the Bear Paw Cafe on Main Street in St. George and said, “This is an amazing community, we want to put a race on here. Can it be done?” Roch and Paul looked at each other and responded, “We haven’t really seen anything, but we think we can put a race on anywhere,” and that’s how the conversation started. Steve then introduced Roch and Paul to Kevin and the tourism team.
“Every athlete who comes through here has a story, and their story might be your story,” says Kevin. “You can make a connection when you see others overcoming difficult things and working through them – that gives you the energy and courage to get through your own trials.
This St. George community was built out of blood, sweat and tears. People came here years ago, and this was a rough and rocky place. They had to carve out an existence, they had to find a way to get through the difficult times. They pulled together and found a way to make a life here.”
Roch recalls when he and Paul first went to Sand Hollow and it was spring. He says the water was at a high level and the wind was howling, and they thought, “Wow, this is going to be a challenge.” Then, they drove the course. “The beauty of the course and the variety with the hills and flats and downhills, it was an amazing course, and then running through town ... Red Hills Parkway up top, just the views – we knew it was a Rochno-brainer.”saysit’s been easy to put the IRONMAN in St. George, especially with the support. “It’s very rare where we get communities that embrace us that much because we shut things down. We always go in hesitant to ask for so many police officers, but the police chief said, ‘Are you sure you don’t want more officers?’ That was a shocker for us. We’ve never heard that.”
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Roch also had a couple unusual, but fond memories about St. George. Roch remembers the sheep and cattle in the middle of the road toward Gunlock that first race year. One day, Roch and Paul were driving through, checking the course during race week, and they thought, “Wow, we hope this doesn’t happen on race day. How are we going to deal with this?” Roch and Paul spoke to the local ranchers about their cattle and sheep. “Our bike crew was out there cleaning the road after all the livestock was on it.”
What changed things in Kevin’s opinion, is when early residents realized there was more to St. George than survival; there is something very unique about the area, and that one day, people would flock here. Once the community opened it up and shared it with others, the land of survival became a land of opportunity. “That’s what changed us – when we realized there was something really unique and special here, all we had to do was share.”
Kevinstandpoint.”feelsIRONMAN
is all about building legends, creating iconic situations and giving the St. George community the opportunity to embrace people from different cultures and lands, people with vision, passion and ambition.
Roch Frey is the head of operations for IRONMAN World Championship Events. In 2009, Roch was approached by Steve Meckfessel, who was in charge of new events for IRONMAN in the U.S. After hearing from this Daren character in St. George, Steve approached Roch and Paul Huddle (both co-race directors for North American events at the time), and Steve asked them to check out St. George.
“It’s entertainment for us now, but the effort physically, emotionally and spiritually that IRONMAN takes is off the charts from a regulatory standpoint, and to have it finish downtown, a city with buildings made of rocks hand-chiseled by men and women who understood what it was like to give everything physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually ... for me, there’s real depth in that and I think that’s something that makes St. George different from anywhere else. It’s a very special place from a heritage and effort
Roch says the first thing he noticed about St. George was that it had a “hard course and amazing terrain,” which he
liked. “Because of the hills, you get a little bit of altitude – you could have some inclement weather – so right off the bat, we thought this is going to be amazing.”
is the City of St. George liaison with IRONMAN. He coordinates with Greater Zion and IRONMAN on all aspects of the event as it pertains to the city. This includes road closures, IRONMAN Village, bike course, run course, Transition 2, and the finish line. The City’s team includes police and fire departments, special events, parks, recreation and streets divisions. Marc has also participated as an athlete in the full-distance and 70.3- distance events in St. George.
Marc says IRONMAN changed his life in several ways. It’s taught him that anything is possible, everything from training and competing in a full distance IRONMAN race, to organizing one. He’s learned that thinking about an IRONMAN in its entirety can be daunting, but by narrowing the focus to each individual discipline, it becomes achievable – that same model can be used in all aspects of one’s life from education, to relationships, to careers, he says.
trained and competed in IRONMAN events, it gives me a sense of what all these people who come to race have gone through and are going through to get to this point,” says Colby. “With the World Championship events, it’s even magnified as they had to qualify to get to this level of Colbycompetition.”isinspired
“IRONMAN is all about community and our community has embraced this event. It just wouldn’t be possible without the amazing people who show up in droves to volunteer year after year. Athlete surveys show that one of the things that participants remember most about their experience here is the way the people made them feel. To me, that’s why we’ve been so successful.”
by the athletes and their determination to train and compete at such a high level, but also says, “I am more inspired by all my volunteer captains who give up hundreds of hours in planning and preparation for these events. I am truly inspired by all the volunteers who come out and want to make this a great experience for all involved. They are the backbone of these events and are the reason that people love coming here to do these races.”
“Havingdirector.
Marc’sIRONMAN.role
(Lto R) Roch Frey, Blair LaHaye, Daren Brooks, Paul Huddle, Paula Newby-Frazer, Michael Lovato, Jeff Gardner, Colby Neilson
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“The night before we went out, the whole process of putting the pig in the ground, getting the hot rocks and letting it sit overnight — that’s an experience I’ve never had before with a volunteer group, so that was a good time.”
Marc Mortensen is the assistant city manager for St. George and he’s been involved with IRONMAN since the first full-distance event in 2010. He says he worked closely with the tourism office and local triathletes years prior to the first event in hopes that one day, St. George would host an
“The growth of this World Championship means that we as a community are special,” says Colby. “From the crew at Greater Zion down to each and every volunteer that helps out wherever. We are one of the most talked about communities in all of IRONMAN. We have a special community that understands and wants to make all these events the best for everyone. I love being a part of this community and these events because of the people who come out and work their tails off to create this experience for these athletes while helping them fulfill their dreams.”
Local legends involved in IRONMAN IRONMAN has evolved in St. George because of the local legends who made it all possible. Colby Neilson has been involved in IRONMAN since 2009, when he was doing triathlons and competing at the IRONMAN level with his brother in law, Jeff Gardner. This was about the time IRONMAN held its first race in St. George and Jeff came on board as race director and Colby became the local volunteer
• Southbound (Large Trucks) From Enterprise, use SR-18 eastbound toward Cedar City/I-15.
From St. George, use Sunset Blvd toward Highway 91/Gunlock Drive to Veyo.
GETTING OCTOBERAROUND22-30
• Southbound I-15
• SR-9 from Hurricane
State Route 18 (SR-18)
• Northbound
At Veyo, turn onto W. Center Street/ Gunlock Drive and follow Gunlock Drive to Santa Clara/St. George.
Use Exit 27 (Anderson Junction) toward Toquerville, LaVerkin, Hurricane, Springdale and Zion National Park on the east. Avoid Exit 16.
Avoid westbound SR-9. Instead, use SR-9 east to SR-17 north to access I-15.
State Route 9 (SR-9)
• SR-9 from Springdale, Zion National Park
• Hurricane to St. George Area SR-7 is closed in both directions from Sand Hollow Road to the SR-9 interchange. SR-9 has only one lane of traffic in both directions. Avoid westbound SR-9 in Hurricane. Instead, use SR-17 north to access I-15.
• Northbound I-15
Avoid westbound SR-9 in Hurricane. Instead, use SR-9 east to SR17 north to access I-15.
State Route 7 (SR-7/Southern Parkway) is a major highway connecting St. George to State Route 9 in Hurricane and other communities on the east. SR-7 will be closed in both directions from Sand Hollow Road to the SR-9 interchange with no vehicle access from 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please consider the following alternate routes:
• Northbound (Large Trucks) From St. George, use I-15 to Cedar City before heading west on SR-18.
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• St. George to Hurricane, La Verkin, Springdale, Zion National Park Avoid eastbound SR-7 after Washington Dam Road. Use I-15 northbound to Exit 27 (Anderson Junction) toward Toquerville, La Verkin, Hurricane, Springdale and Zion
ALTERNATE ROUTES
• SR-59 from Apple Valley, Hildale, Colorado City
State Route 18 (SR-18) is a major highway connecting St. George and other the communities in southern Washington County to Dammeron Valley, Veyo, Brookside, Central, and Enterprise on the north. Motorists are encouraged to avoid SR-18 between St. George and Dammeron Valley during the race on October 28 and 29 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Expect delays and sharp turns over Ledges Parkway. Additional detours will be encountered as vehicles enter St. George. Please consider the following alternate routes:
Avoid Exit 16. Instead, continue north to Exit 27 (Anderson Junction) toward Toquerville, La Verkin, Hurricane, Springdale and Zion National Park on the east.
• Southbound
State Route 9 (SR-9) is a major highway connecting Interstate-15, and the communities on the west side of Washington County (St. George, Washington, Santa Clara, Ivins) to Hurricane, LaVerkin, Toquerville, Springdale and Zion National Park on the east. Motorists are encouraged to avoid SR-9 during the race on October 28 and 29 from 6:30 am to 2 p.m. Please use the following alternate routes:
Avoid westbound SR-9 in Hurricane. Instead, use SR-17 north to access I-15.
State Route 7 (SR-7/Southern Parkway)
• 10/22 – 10/30: Main St from 50 N (Advenire and Zions Bank entrances) and south to the Roundabout at Tabernacle
completed on days prior to road closures.
• Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, on and around Main St from 100 S toward 300 S, and 300 S toward S 700 E
• Expect delays when entering or leaving impacted neighborhoods.
• 3000 South will be closed at 1100 West, but open to residential traffic from 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
•ahead:Geterrands
With two days of racing, road closures apply to both Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. All times are approximate and subject to change.
• Sand Hollow Road & SR-9/State Street intersection will be open to a RIGHT TURN ONLY onto SR-9; vehicles will detour to the SR-7 interchange to go East or West on SR-9
• Avoid crossing the race route; find alternative through routes.
Two Days of Racing Calls for Extra Preparedness
• 200 E from E Tabernacle to 200 S
• Main Street from Diagonal to 100 S
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29 (race days)
• 200 S from 200 E to 400 E
• Expect delays on routes around these extra events:
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 25 & 26
• E Tabernacle from Main St to 200 E
• Red Hills Parkway westbound lanes will be closed from 1000 East to SR-18 from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• IRONKIDS event at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, mainly around Town Square and Tabernacle East to 100 South
• Diagonal Street will be closed to traffic in both directions from 8:15 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
HURRICANE
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29 (race days)
• SR-9/State Street will be single-lane traffic in the westbound lanes between the SR-7 interchange and Telegraph Street from 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Extended Closures
GETTING AROUND YOUR GUIDE TO TRAFFIC IMPACTS DURING IRONMAN WEEK
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• 10/24 – 10/31: W Tabernacle St from Judd’s to the roundabout
The following areas will be impacted during the hours noted:
• SR-18 will be single-lane traffic, using the northbound lane from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
DOWNTOWN ST. GEORGE
• Expect road closures and detours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Reschedule regular deliveries; opt for delivery times other than Friday and Saturday.
• Snow Canyon Parkway westbound lanes from Bluff to Snow Canyon Drive will be closed from 7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The following areas will be impacted during the hours noted:
• 10/24 – 10/30: W Tabernacle St from the roundabout to 300 W
Please be aware of these event-related traffic impacts so you can adjust your plans to minimize the impacts to your week. This may add a little bit of time to your commute or errands. Plan
• SR-7/Southern Parkway will be closed in both directions from State Street to Sand Hollow Road from 6:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Plan your route to/from work.
The following areas will be impacted during the hours noted:
• Exit 13 from Southbound I-15 onto Washington Parkway will be closed from 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Snow Canyon Drive will be closed from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29 (race days)
• Green Spring Drive will be single-lane traffic in the northbound lanes from 7:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For race day navigation, download the free, WAZE GPS navigation app on iPhone or Android for real-time fastest traffic routing.
If you have any questions about the event or neighborhood traffic impacts, please contact the Greater Zion offices at 435-986-3351 or email ironman@greaterzion.com.
Friday & Saturday, October 28 & 29 (race days)
IVINS
More event-related information, including spectator information, is also available at IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com We encourage all Washington County residents to enjoy the event from the vantage points in your neighborhood and also head to downtown St. George to check out the fun!
GETTING OCTOBERAROUND22-30
• Telegraph will be single-lane traffic in the eastbound lanes from6 :45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Washington Parkway will be single-lane traffic in the southbound lanes from 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON
• No Northbound I-15 on-ramp access will be allowed from Washington Parkway from 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• No access to Washington Parkway from Buena Vista Blvd or Main Street
The following areas will be impacted between during the hours noted:
• Center Street will be closed from Snow Canyon Drive to 400 West from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m.
To learn more about road closures and detours, suggested routes into and out of affected neighborhoods and to see when athletes are on course, visit the interactive Google map by scanning the QR code below or by visiting us at IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com (click on Community).
• Washington Parkway will be single-lane traffic in the southbound lanes from 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
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• No access to SR-9/State Street from Telegraph from 6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Stock up – don’t run out of food, coffee, wine, beer, spirits –consider items triathletes and international visitors are going to desire
• Consider outside games or pastimes while people wait for food or tables.
• On Friday and Saturday (race days), consider a day of service and volunteer instead of being open.
• Get involved – volunteer, attend events, check out the IRONMAN Village.
• Make IRONMAN specials – it doesn’t have to be a discount, but name a sushi roll, drink, sandwich or something IRONMAN. (Good job, Benja’s!)
• Add extended hours – open early to accommodate spectators, stay open later to accommodate the event schedule
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Advise regular deliveries and delivery drivers of access or alternative access
• Bring your business out front – if you’re on the route or on a closed street, consider bringing products to the sidewalk, increase outdoor dining/seating options, or even offering to-go items for those passing by. (St. George City will allow responsible flexibility and advertising.)
To Do
Update your website, social media, and Google listing – let these visitors, and your regular guests, know when you’re open, where to park, and any other vital info
Refer to IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com for event details and information
Consider Adaptions
Staff up – approximately 20,000 visitors will be in town (this is the equivalent of a Presidents Day Weekend, but for the week)
Educate your staff – make them prepared, share resources, instruct – let them know how they can appreciate this and what’s happening in the community and be educational vehicles about the area
Spiff up – show off to the world, putting your best foot forward in appearance and cleanliness
Communicate to your regulars/locals that you’re still open, about special hours or how to access your business during the event.
• If you serve alcohol, with increased outdoor seating, consider extending your liquor license.
• Hang welcome banners, balloons, and encourage staff to dress in themes of IRONMAN – make it a party all week!
• Use social event hashtags: #IM703WC | #mdotsculpture #LegendsRising | #LandofEndurance | #GreaterZion and tag @greaterzionutah and @cityofstgeorge
Embrace the Event
BUSINESS LOGO
for questions on business operations and ordinances during this event.
Social Media Toolkits – Available through the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, use these images and content templates to tell your regular customers that you’re open during the event or direct them otherwise.
As the lead hosts of this epic event, the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office wants this to work for you. Have any questions or concerns, contact Reachinfo@greaterzion.com/435-634-5747.outtoMarcMortensen, City of St. George, (marc.mortensen@sgcity.org)
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Welcome Banners and Signs – Using a vertical or horizontal template (pictured at right), put your business logo on an IRONMAN welcome banner to welcome athletes and visitors at your place of business. Contact Marv at AlphaGraphics at 435-656-5220 to order.
IRONMAN.GreaterZion.com for road closures, links to course maps, fact sheets, schedules, and other resources.
– If your business is directly impacted by the event, you may be eligible for a Greater Zion-subsidized advertising package through TownSquare Media. Advertise locally on the radio or reach event consumers with some digital ads. Contact Heather at 760-423-2737.
Ask the Questions
IRONMAN Business Welcome Banner
Pick Up Information (Race Week Activities brochures, visitors info, etc.) from the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office (20 North Main Street).
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