Mayor’s Message

Run The Dogtown Races

Washington City’s 16th Annual Dogtown Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids’ Fun Run will take place on January 25, 2025. This year, we’re introducing exciting changes to the courses, a new date, and a renewed commitment to making these races among the best in the state.

The original Half Marathon course included running several miles along the busy Washington Fields Road. Over the last few years, it has become increasingly challenging for staff to provide adequate safety and traffic control along that section of the course. After last year’s race, city staff met and discussed the best way forward. Ultimately, they recommended modifying the courses to more fully utilize new and existing sections of the city’s expanding paved trail network with the goal of improving the race experience and overall safety.

The Half Marathon starting area and initial miles remain similar. However, shortly after entering the Coral Canyon neighborhood, the new route will veer onto the trail system, including the Highland and Crown King trails that circle the perimeter of the Coral Canyon mesa, offering 360 degree views of the entire valley. Along this scenic middle section, runners will enjoy breathtaking views of Zion National Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Pine Valley Mountain and more. The natural beauty of Washington City and its surroundings will be on full display.

Descending from the mesa, runners will find themselves on the Cottonwood Wash Trail, meandering along rolling slopes through the canyon in a seemingly surreal and fast section of the course before merging onto the Virgin River Trail. The final section of the Half Marathon course includes traversing the Boardwalk and running parallel to the Virgin River en route to Sullivan Park where the finish line, food, friends, and celebrations await.

The 5K and the Kids’ Fun Run will now start and finish at Sullivan Park, with courses along the Virgin River Trail and around the soccer fields, making it a central hub for all the excitement. The Dogtown Races will occur annually on the last Saturday of January.

Here’s a brief overview:

Half Marathon: Tackle the challenge of a 13.1-mile race with a rewarding finish at Sullivan Park, a great way to kick off the new year with a personal achievement.

5K: Ideal for those looking for a shorter distance, this race still offers a fantastic opportunity to test your endurance and have fun. Run or walk!

Kids’ Fun Run: Encourages our younger community members to get active and be part of the activities.

The Dogtown Half Marathon and 5K have become an annual tradition for many locals, and increasingly for many runners from northern Utah and beyond. Each participant in these events will receive an engraved medal, and a technical running shirt, both with the iconic logo. This year will be my 4th time running the Dogtown Half Marathon, and I would love to see as many of you there running with me as possible.

If you don’t want to run or walk, please consider volunteering, for which you will receive a free t-shirt, or simply come enjoy the event and cheer on the participants. For more information, visit WashingtonCity.org/Run. While registration is open until January 15th,  you can take advantage of the lowest entry fee by registering by the end of the month. Sign up and start training today!

-Kress Staheli

Mayor

kress@washingtoncity.org