St. George Marathon’s exchange with sister marathon in
Ibigawa, Japan has been wonderful tradition since 1988

Among the City of St. George’s most endearing rites of Fall is its marathon exchange with the city of Ibigawa, Japan. Since 1988, the St. George Marathon and the Ibigawa Marathon have been sending their top finishers to each other’s races in a show of love and fellowship.

That good feeling will be renewed later this week as the Ibigawa delegation arrives in St. George on October 2 at 10 p.m. Everyone is invited to City Hall that night to give a warm welcome to the delegation, which includes Ibigawa marathon winners and its city officials. Light refreshments will be served while supplies last.

“Our exchange is a cherished tradition that we are thrilled to renew each year,” said Mayor Michele Randall. “This 36-year marathon partnership with our Japanese friends provides a wonderful chance to meet residents of our sister marathon city, learn about a different culture and create unforgettable experiences that highlight our unique relationship.”

The guests from Ibigawa, who will be staying with host families, will participate in a wide range of activities. They will be formally welcomed by Mayor Randall at Thursday’s City Council meeting at 5 p.m., and the delegation will be guests of honor at the Marathon’s International Luncheon at the Dixie Convention Center at noon Friday. In addition to the Ibigawa delegation, runners from 13 other foreign countries are represented at this year’s Marathon.

In November, St. George will send a delegation to Ibigawa, which will include runners, City and Washington County School District officials and 10 ninth-graders selected from an essay-writing competition for a weeklong stay with Japanese host families.

More information

www.sgcityutah.gov

www.stgeorgemarathon.com

About the City of St. George

St. George is the largest city in Washington County and the fifth-largest city in Utah with more than 100,000 residents. In recent years, people from across the United States have been attracted to St. George’s world class healthcare, active lifestyle, access to university education and proximity to unrivaled recreation. Scenic beauty abounds throughout the city and region including Snow Canyon State Park, Quail Creek and Sand Hollow Reservoirs, and Zion National Park. With an average of about 300 days of sunshine per year, the community welcomes all to live, work, play and eat and experience the ‘Brighter Side’ in St. George, Utah.

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