• Local News
  • Utah
  • Politics
  • Crime and Safety
  • COVID-19
  • Community
  • Environment

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

What's Hot

Herbert and Pompeo Discuss Trade, Immigration, and Global Power at Salt Lake Summit

May 9, 2025

Bystanders Save Young Girl from Drowning in Stansbury Lake

May 9, 2025

St. George Bids Farewell to Ironman After 16-Year Legacy

May 9, 2025
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Ogden Journal
Subscribe
  • Local News

    Bystanders Save Young Girl from Drowning in Stansbury Lake

    May 9, 2025

    St. George Bids Farewell to Ironman After 16-Year Legacy

    May 9, 2025

    Provo Kicks Off Sidewalk Projects for Safer School Routes, But Timing Raises Concerns

    May 8, 2025

    Orem Neighborhood Shaken After Police Fatally Shoot Man During Drug Investigation

    May 7, 2025

    Springdale Officer on Paid Leave After Domestic Violence Charges

    May 7, 2025
  • Utah

    Herbert and Pompeo Discuss Trade, Immigration, and Global Power at Salt Lake Summit

    May 9, 2025

    Utah Takes Bold Steps Toward Nuclear Energy with New Law

    May 8, 2025

    Utah Police Memorial Honors Sgt. Bill Hooser One Year After His Death in the Line of Duty

    May 2, 2025

    Utah Law Alters School Bus Eligibility, Raising Safety Concerns Among Parents

    May 1, 2025

    Holladay Residents Frustrated by Ongoing Water and Power Outages Due to Aging Infrastructure

    April 29, 2025
  • Politics

    Trans woman who impregnated two female inmates at a women’s only prison ‘received bad news’!

    March 14, 2023

    Officer breaks into car to rescue baby, ‘then realized he made a terrible mistake’!

    March 14, 2023

    The Governor’s Office and Utah State Legislature released revised revenue numbers for state fiscal year 2023-24

    February 25, 2023

    Melania Trump got a rude nickname by the Secret Service at the White House

    November 8, 2021

    Donald Trump slams President Biden for appearing to fall asleep during climate meeting

    November 7, 2021
  • Crime and Safety

    Over 150 Animals Rescued from Ogden Home, Man Faces 600+ Charges

    May 9, 2025

    Utah Mother and Community Health Worker Arrested for Attempted Drowning of 5-Year-Old Son

    May 7, 2025

    Man Arrested After Violent Family Dispute in Hurricane, Utah

    May 6, 2025

    Attempted Murder Charge Filed After Stabbing at Wasatch County Addiction Recovery Center

    May 5, 2025

    South Salt Lake Homicide Suspect Arrested, Has Troubling Criminal History

    April 28, 2025
  • COVID-19

    The drive-thru clinic in Farmington at the Legacy Events Center has reopened months after closing as a coronavirus testing site

    September 28, 2021

    The Utah Department of Health on Wednesday reported 1,539 new cases of COVID-19

    September 9, 2021

    The Utah Department of Health is reporting a COVID-19 outbreak in Eagle Mountain

    September 2, 2021

    The Utah Department of Health reported 1,491 new COVID-19 cases

    August 27, 2021

    A law the Utah State Legislature passed that banned government from mandating the COVID-19 vaccine has expired

    August 25, 2021
  • Community

    Utah Law Change Increases Deportation Risks for Undocumented Immigrants

    May 8, 2025

    Utah’s Global Trade Influence Highlighted at International Summit

    May 8, 2025

    Salt Lake City Circumvents State Flag Ban by Adopting New Official City Flags

    May 7, 2025

    Four Injured in Pickup Truck Roll-Over Accident on I-15 in Santaquin

    May 5, 2025

    Salt Lake City Man Killed in Nevada Rollover Crash

    May 2, 2025
  • Environment

    Woman thought she rescued a kitten, ‘until a trip to the veterinarian revealed the stunning truth’!

    April 15, 2023

    Zero Fatalities is reminding Utahns of the traveling risks associated with the time change and providing tips on how to stay safe

    March 17, 2023

    Ogden reinstates recycling program after 10-month hiatus

    January 27, 2021

    Why is Utah known for having the ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’?

    January 23, 2021

    When is Compostable Packaging the Right Option?

    January 20, 2021
Ogden Journal
Local News

St. George Bids Farewell to Ironman After 16-Year Legacy

By Kevin ThompsonMay 9, 2025
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

ST. GEORGE, Utah — After 16 years of grueling endurance, global recognition, and community pride, St. George is preparing to host its final Ironman race this weekend—marking the end of what many have called the most challenging Ironman event in the United States.

On Saturday, approximately 2,500 athletes will take part in the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship, which begins at Sand Hollow Reservoir and finishes along Main Street in downtown St. George. The race will not only close a chapter in the city’s sporting history but also attract a record number of competitors—up by 1,000 from the previous year—many drawn by the event’s finality.

“I’m trying to take it all in for the last time,” said Chad Lund, a San Diego triathlete who has competed in St. George five times. “It’s a great course. You have to be good on the bike. It’s hot. It’s hilly. But, it’s beautiful.”

Since its debut in 2010, Ironman St. George has grown into a signature event for the region, drawing athletes from around the world and bringing in millions of dollars in tourism revenue annually. According to Chad McWilliams, Manager of Sports for Greater Zion, the 70.3 race weekend typically generates between $7 to $10 million, with annual economic impact reaching close to $12 million when year-round training visits are considered.

“Ironman is irreplaceable,” McWilliams said. “It’s put a lot of eyes on Washington County. It showcases the spirit of our community and has helped build a reputation for hosting world-class sporting events.”

Despite the economic success, McWilliams emphasized that the city will not face financial hardship due to the race’s departure. As the region grows, he said, community leaders are increasing marketing efforts to bolster other events that can help fill the calendar.

“We’re not hurting,” McWilliams added. “In fact, the biggest issue in Washington County is that we don’t have enough weekends for everything we want to host.”

While financial considerations played a role, McWilliams cited urban growth as a key factor in the decision not to renew the Ironman contract. With homes and businesses now bordering many parts of the race route, the logistical challenges have grown.

“This event has a large footprint, and it’s gotten harder and harder,” he said. “People need a bit of a break.”

For many residents, Ironman became more than just a race—it was a cultural touchstone. Marc Mortensen, Director of Operations for the City of St. George, described the conclusion as “bittersweet.”

“The Ironman actually changed my life, and I know that it’s changed the culture of this community,” Mortensen said. “We’ve got several plans for the future—and who knows? Ironman may be part of those plans again someday. We’d love to host another World Championship here.”

For athletes, the sentiment was much the same. Robert Tanner, a participant from Salt Lake City, said the race’s departure inspired him to sign up.

“You can tell the whole city has adapted for the race. I’m super bummed it’s leaving,” said Tanner. “I think I took it for granted, being from Utah. As soon as I heard it was leaving, I registered.”

Some competitors, like Benjamin Miller from Germany, traveled from across the globe to be part of the race’s final chapter.

“I consider myself quite lucky, to be honest,” Miller said. “It’s such an amazing atmosphere with great natural landscapes. I’m really happy to be here and enjoy the race one last time.”

As the community prepares to cheer one final time, local officials remind residents to anticipate road closures and detours throughout race day. Full details are available at ironman.greaterzion.com.

Though this weekend may mark the end of an era, many in St. George believe the Ironman’s legacy will endure—etched into the red rock and spirit of the region it helped put on the map.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Kevin Thompson

Related Posts

Bystanders Save Young Girl from Drowning in Stansbury Lake

May 9, 2025

Provo Kicks Off Sidewalk Projects for Safer School Routes, But Timing Raises Concerns

May 8, 2025

Orem Neighborhood Shaken After Police Fatally Shoot Man During Drug Investigation

May 7, 2025
Add A Comment

Comments are closed.

Editors Picks

Herbert and Pompeo Discuss Trade, Immigration, and Global Power at Salt Lake Summit

May 9, 2025

Bystanders Save Young Girl from Drowning in Stansbury Lake

May 9, 2025

St. George Bids Farewell to Ironman After 16-Year Legacy

May 9, 2025

Over 150 Animals Rescued from Ogden Home, Man Faces 600+ Charges

May 9, 2025

Utah Law Change Increases Deportation Risks for Undocumented Immigrants

May 8, 2025
Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2025 Ogden Journal.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.