The last time St. George, Utah hosted a full-distance race was in 2012 – the last of a three-year run for Ironman St. George. The incredibly tough course saw participation drop from 2,500 in its first year to 1,700 the next. Even though Ironman changed the course over the years participation continued to wane – with just over 1,000 finishers in 2012, Ironman decided to switch the race to a half-distance in 2013.
Last year St. George was to serve as the Ironman North American Championship and be part of a series of race venues that would alternate hosting a full-distance race. That got put on hold, though, when the race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year St. George is hosting the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship this weekend, and the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in September.
Today Ironman announced that St. George will host the 2022 Ironman North American Championship on May 7, and the championship will return to the city in 2024.
The course for event includes a 3.8 km swim in Sand Hollow Reservoir followed by a 180 km bike that takes competitors through the scenic Snow Canyon, followed by a two-loop 42.2 km run through Red Cliffs Reserve before finishing in the historic Town Square of downtown St. George.
Just two hours from Las Vegas, Nevada, St. George is a popular tourist and recreation area, renowned for its stunning red-rock desert scenery and alpine landscapes.
