The St. George Marathon is one of the most popular downhill marathons in the country, and the 2026 race is Saturday, October 3. With thousands of runners and their families in town the same weekend, lodging books out months ahead. Sunshine Suites gives a running group or family a 7 bedroom home in Santa Clara, with beds for up to 20, a kitchen for the night-before dinner, and an easy base near the start shuttles and finish. Here is how to plan it.
The short version
- 2026 race: Saturday, October 3
- Downhill point-to-point course, about 5,000 marathon runners
- Sleeps up to 20 runners and supporters
- Full kitchen for the pre-race dinner, laundry after
- Minutes from St. George, book months ahead
When is the St. George Marathon in 2026?
Saturday, October 3, 2026. The race is a fast, downhill point-to-point course that draws runners from all over, with a cap of about 5,000 marathon entries plus half marathon and 5K fields (stgeorgemarathon.com). Registration opens in the spring and the marathon fills, so most runners lock in lodging well before race day.
Why rent a house for marathon weekend?
Race morning is early and the day after is slow, and a house handles both better than a hotel.
| Marathon weekend need | At Sunshine Suites |
|---|---|
| Carb-load dinner the night before | Full kitchen and one long table |
| Quiet, early bedtime | Six private king suites |
| Recovery after the race | Heated hot tub and pools |
| Room for the support crew | Sleeps up to 20 |
How close is Sunshine Suites to the race?
The marathon is a point-to-point course that buses runners from the finish area in St. George to the start, so what you want is a calm, comfortable base near the finish. Sunshine Suites is a short drive away in Santa Clara, close enough for an easy pre-dawn shuttle and a quick trip home to recover, but quiet enough to actually sleep the night before.
How many runners and supporters can stay?
Up to 20, with 12 beds and six private suites. That fits a running club, a few families racing together, or one runner with a big crew. The per-person cost is on the large groups page.
When should we book?
Early. Race weekend is one of the busiest of the year and homes book months out, often as soon as runners get into the race. Send your dates through contact or call +1 801-400-9274.
Source: St. George Marathon (stgeorgemarathon.com). Updated June 2026.
Race weekend
A quiet base for the marathon
Sleeps up to 20 runners and supporters, with a kitchen and hot tub. From $599 a night. Book months ahead.
By Marchele Oldham, Owner & Host · Updated June 2026
I host Sunshine Suites, our 7-bedroom home for big families and groups at Paradise Village at Zion in Santa Clara, Utah. After years of welcoming reunions, teams, and multi-generational trips, I write these pages from what our guests actually ask and experience. Questions about your dates? Call or text +1 801-400-9274.