Thousands of runners hit the street for annual St. George Marathon

ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) — Standing at the start line before sunrise, the energy was buzzing. But out in front of every runner was a volunteer who’s been guiding them down the course for more than 30 years.

Pat O’Riley began helping with the marathon back in 1993, picking up clothes thrown off by runners at the start line. Three decades later, he’s earned his spot up front, driving the lead car for the fourth year in a row.

“I’ve been doing it since 1993,” O’Riley said. “I’ve progressed and now I’m right in a vehicle keeping warm.”

It’s a job that takes precision, staying just feet ahead of the fastest runners on the course.

“This is the job you kind of want,” O’Riley adds. “I’m old and I’m glad that I’ve earned stripes to get into the vehicle.”

Pat’s friend Ashley Paulson has run the St. George Marathon 15 times, and says there’s no place to run like her hometown.

“It’s our neighbors, our friends, our family that’s out here cheering for us,” Paulson says. “It’s one that we just can’t miss.”

This year’s St. George Marathon was one for the record books, from the incredible crowd support to some of the fastest times the course has ever seen.

This year’s marathon came down to the final seconds. Jake Heslington crossed the finish line just two seconds ahead of last year’s champ Michael Ottesen, setting a new course record at two hours, 13 minutes and 56 seconds.

“I think we just have a lot of mutual respect,” Heslington said. “And had I lost [to Ottesen], it would have been great, too, because he’s a great person to lose to.”

On the women’s side, Kodi Kleven broke her own record, finishing almost 12 minutes ahead of second place.

Pat led the runners from the very first mile all the way down to the final stretch. For him, it’s a reminder of why he keeps coming back year after year. He says watching runners achieve these feats never gets old, even if he still thinks they’re a little crazy for doing it.

“I think besides them being nuts, it’s incredible just to push through some of the stuff I know that they all push through,” O’Riley said. “People need to have some type of release. And if this is their release, I would choose golf or something else. But it’s great just to be part of making a difference.”

For Pat, it’s about more than just leading the pack. It’s about keeping a 49 year St. George tradition on track, just 26.2 miles at a time.