333 Steps to Glory: St. George’s Ultimate Stair Challenge Returns

If you are looking for one of the toughest races in Southern Utah this winter, the Dragon’s Tail Stair Climb Challenge is back for its second year in St. George. This extreme endurance event pushes runners, walkers, and stair climbers to face 333 steep steps again and again until only the strongest remain.

Held at the Tech Ridge Staircase near Dixie Technical College, this event combines speed, endurance, and pure determination. Every climb brings competitors closer to the title of Dragon King or Dragon Queen.

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What Makes the Dragon’s Tail Race Different

This is not a normal 5K or trail run.

Participants descend and climb a massive 333 step staircase repeatedly. Each lap means another full run down and back up the stairs. The goal depends on the race type. Some athletes race for speed. Others race for survival.

The staircase will be closed to the public during the event so racers can compete safely.

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Race Options for Every Level

There are three main ways to take on the Dragon’s Tail challenge.

5K and 1K Run or Walk

Start time is 7:30 AM

5K course
Runners begin at the top of the Tech Ridge stairs, follow the rim trail, go down the steep Jerry Rice Trail, climb Cloud Drive, descend Jerry Rice again, then finish with the full 333 stair climb to the top.

1K course
This shorter option begins at the top of the stairs, travels along the rim to Temple Quarry parking, drops down the bike path to the base of the stairs, then finishes with a climb up all 333 steps.

This race is perfect for people who want the experience without doing the full 5K.

Sprint Challenge

Start time is 9:00 AM

This race is all about speed. Racers compete in heats, and the fastest climber wins. Expect intense bursts of energy, fast legs, and plenty of bragging rights.

Endurance Challenge

Start time is 10:00 AM

This is where the real battle begins.

Racers start at the top of the stairs, go all the way down, then climb back up. Each lap must be completed before the next start time. If you miss the cutoff, your race ends.

Laps 1 through 5 allow 12 minutes each
Laps 6 through 10 allow 11 minutes
The time drops by one minute every five laps

By lap 20, racers only have 8 minutes to complete each climb.

Anyone who survives through lap 24 will be taken to the bottom and race to the top for the final crown. The fastest man and woman will be named Dragon King and Dragon Queen.

Every participant earns a finisher medal after the first lap, with milestone charms added along the way.

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Dragon Slayer Challenge

For athletes who want it all, there is a special option.

The Dragon Slayer Challenge includes:

• 5K or 1K

• Sprint Challenge

• Endurance Challenge

Those who complete all three races receive a special Dragon Slayer award and discounted pricing. Racers must finish their 5K or 1K before the Sprint Challenge begins.

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Packet Pickup

Friday, January 16
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Hangar near the stairs
475 Donlee Dr, St. George

Race day pickup
Starts at 6:30 AM

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Start Location

Tech Ridge Staircase
South Tech Ridge Parkway near Dixie Technical College

Race start times
5K and 1K at 7:30 AM
Sprint at 9:00 AM
Endurance at 10:00 AM

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Important Rules

Strollers are not allowed unless you plan to carry them up the stairs.

The staircase will be closed to non-participants during races.

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Registration Pricing

Dragon Slayer Challenge
$80 until January 3
$90 until January 16

Sprint Challenge
$10 until January 3
$20 until January 16

Endurance Challenge
$55 until January 3
$65 until January 15
$75 on January 17

5K Adult
$35 until January 3
$45 until January 15
$65 on January 17

1K Adult
$25 until January 3
$30 until January 15
$35 on January 17

Kids 12 and under
$15 through race day

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Volunteers Needed

Volunteers help keep the race running smoothly. If you want to be part of the Dragon’s Tail event without climbing all the stairs, sign up to help on race day.

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If you want one of the most intense and unique races in St. George, this is it. Whether you climb once or climb until you collapse, the Dragon’s Tail Stair Climb Challenge delivers a true test of strength and endurance.

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