This is the year you’re going to do it, right? You’re going to get outside, get some exercise, get fit, and get rid of those extra pounds. Great!
But what about doing all of that when it’s winter? Even when you have the very best intentions, Mother Nature may have other ideas.
Lucky for you, the City of St. George has you covered. Take a peek at the City’s sports programs website, and you’ll find more than thirty different options, including a number hosted at the St. George Recreation Center that are perfect during the chilly months. From cornhole to racquetball, basketball to lawn bowling, water aerobics to volleyball—and much more—you can start 2026 off with a host of fun ways to stay active while connecting with your community.
After your workout, enjoy a different kind of date night at the Rec Center by throwing a pot or trying your hand at crafting jewelry. And of course, warmer days will bring the full complement of outdoor sports and leagues, with eight programs designed exclusively for adults. They all fill quickly, so don’t miss your chance to sign up!
“We have so many amazing opportunities to recreate in St. George,” said Deputy Director of Recreation Cody Schmitt. “Even on those days when it’s cold, you can still go to Sand Hollow Aquatic Center and swim or take a water aerobics class. We now have classes from 6:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and one on Saturday morning. Also, our Rec Center is one of the rare facilities that offers racquetball. You can work out in the gym or take an exercise class; you can play basketball, volleyball, cornhole—the possibilities are almost endless.”
Rain or shine, the City will also continue to present its packed slate of races and events for athletes of all levels. Is this the year you’ll attempt your first 5K? Want to take a stroll with your favorite furry friend? Have a hankering to be chased by an SG City cop? Or could you be the Last One Standing? St. George Races will offer no fewer than fifteen events welcoming runners, walkers, cyclists, kids, seasoned athletes, and beginners from January through December.
Michelle Graves, assistant director of parks and community services with the City of St. George, noted, “You don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part in our events. Our Last One Standing Ultra is a perfect example. You can walk, bike, or jog the first circuit of the Mayor’s Loop with your family and head home, you can stay and do a longer distance, or you can do the whole 24-hour race. And this year, we’re adding a team option, so you and four of your friends can run together or do it as a relay—and in between, you can party in the park with everyone else!”
Don’t forget: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the St. George Marathon! In celebration, St. George will welcome a record field of 10,000 participants. Plus, for the first time, the City will offer a prize package totaling one hundred thousand dollars, with an eye toward attracting elite runners from around the world. Expect plenty of exciting events leading up to the October 3rd edition of the race—and global visibility for St. George.
With this many fun, fabulous fitness options, you can finally keep that New Year’s resolution!
About the Author
Community & Culture
Marianne L. Hamilton is a veteran journalist and marketing writer whose work appears in regional and national publications. When not race walking on one of our local trails, she serves on the board of the Kayenta Arts Foundation and supports the City of St. George as a grants writer for arts and recreation programs. She and her husband, Doug, are also co-administrators of the Southern Utah Wine Club, founders and co-directors of the United State Power Walking Association, and race directors for the Huntsman World Senior Games. The former Ms. Senior Universe 2022-2023, Marianne is a proud breast cancer survivor and a member of the Intermountain Health Oncology Patient-Family Advisory Council.