Recognition: Hugh Christiansen

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Hugh Christiansen, a local runner from Ferron Utah, competed in the 26.2 mile St. George Marathon on Oct. 4. Hugh set a new personal best of 2 hours 35 minutes and 3 seconds by running an average of 5 minutes and 54 seconds per mile. Hugh placed 20th overall out of 8,000 plus registered runners and was fourth in the 35-39 year old age group.
This was the 38th running of the St. George Marathon which takes place the first weekend of October each year. Hugh ran his first marathon in St. George in 2010 then again last year in 2013. He loves that course because of its beauty and because the race is so well organized. The St. George Marathon is known as a downhill course but that deceives people into thinking it is easy. Hugh says “this course will shred your legs.”
Training to run a fast marathon takes a lot of dedication from both the runner and his family. Hugh dedicated 18 weeks to his marathon build up by running just over 50 miles a week. He ran a couple of interval workouts a week and a long run that was sometimes up to 22 miles on Saturdays. Trying to fit in workouts meant a lot of early mornings, a lot of late nights and some missed family functions.
Hugh’s sons Chase, Jess and Hayden also ran in a race on October 3rd in St. George. The St. George Marathon sponsors a program called Move It kids which organized a 14 and under, 1 mile run. Chase who is 13 placed second, Jess who is 11 placed third, and Hayden who is 7 placed in the top 25. There were roughly 200 kids that ran. Hugh says “I love to watch my boys run, they inspire me.” He is excited that they also have an interest in this sport and natural talent.
When asked what race he will run next Hugh says he will take a few days to recover then run to stay fit for something in the spring. His finishing time in the St. George Marathon qualifies him to enter the Boston Marathon which he is still considering.
Hugh appreciates the support from his parents, family and friends.