The Bryce Canyon Half-Marathon takes place every year on the 2nd Saturday in July. This year, on the 9th, 493 half-marathon runners and 126 5K runners hustled to Bryce Canyon, including many locals and returning family members. And this year was even a record year for participating local high school athletes!
Though fewer people registered for the race than in previous years, community involvement helped to keep benefits high. Volunteers were there all along the way from the spaghetti dinner and color run, to the half-marathon and 5K.
Spaghetti Dinner and Color Run
The night before the race, runners enjoyed a spaghetti dinner along with a color run. The Booster Club and student athletes were in charge of this part of the event, and they were able to draw a good profit. Proceeds from the dinner and 1-mile color run help support Bryce Valley athletes throughout the year.
Half-Marathon and 5K
The next day, our marathon and 5K friends got up bright and early, pumped for the big race. The 5K began at 6:30 a.m. at the Cannonville park. The half-marathon began at 6:00 a.m. in Bryce. Both groups found their way to the finish line at the north end of the Cannonville park.
Aid stations along the way kept runners hydrated and happy. These stations were managed by even more community volunteers, families and businesses.
This year, the Bryce Valley Lions Club served breakfast right at the finish line. Many runners and spectators enjoyed the ease of buying a meal right there.
Thank You!
“The best thing we hear about our race is the small town feel and the friendliest faces year after year,” the marathon committee shared on their Facebook page.
The Bryce Canyon Half-Marathon really is a big part of the summer for kids growing up in Bryce Valley, and it brings many great visitors to the community. We at The Byway along with the half-marathon committee express our gratitude for the volunteers and sponsors who come out of the woodwork to put so much of their time and talents into this race.
Thank you! It wouldn’t happen without you.
–The Byway
Feature image caption: The pacers volunteering for the half marathon.
All pictures courtesy Bryce Canyon Half-Marathon Committee.
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