The run portion of the 2012 Ironman St George race will change, ‘enhancing the athlete and spectator experience’ at the event in south western Utah. Race officials say the changes are needed to facilitate course setup, volunteer access, and aid stations during the race – not to mention pre-race training.
Officials hope the changes will steer crowds away from construction congestion and open up more avenues for spectator viewing and crowd support.
“We’re thrilled to utilize the new run course in the 2012 Ironman St George race,” said Jeff Gardner, Race Director for Ironman St. George. “This event has established itself as a challenging course with the added bonus of a beautiful setting and energetic local support. Our hope is that the new run course will facilitate a better overall experience for athletes, spectators and the thousands of volunteers who help to make the race happen each year.”
The new 2012 course will lead athletes through downtown St George in the iconic Ironman M-Dot shape three times. The route will still incorporate a straightaway along Diagonal Street, but will avoid road construction on Red Hills Parkway and will no longer turn on to Bluff Street. The downtown route creates new possibilities for those supporting their Ironman competitors. The entire 2012 running course stays within 1.5 miles of the finish line, which will remain along Main Street in front of Town Square.
“The legs of the ‘M-Dot’ route are easily accessible from 700 South for both Ironman spectators and local residents trying to get in and out on race day,” said Kevin Lewis, Director of Sports Marketing with the St George Convention and Tourism Office. “Spectators can see their athlete on one leg of the ‘M-Dot’ and easily cross over a mere two blocks to cheer for them two more times on each loop.”
One of 30 full Ironman distance events worldwide, Ironman St George is set to take place on Saturday 5 May 2012. The race features a swim held at Sand Hollow Reservoir and bike and run courses with spectacular views of downtown St George, Snow Canyon and Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Athletes will compete for a professional prize purse of US$25,000 and 50 age group qualifying slots for the 2012 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, on 13 October.
