ST GEORGE -- Runners, wheel chair and hand cycle competitors from Utah had success in the 34th St. George Marathon on Saturday.

The 26.2-mile marathon is recognized as the 15th largest marathon in the United States, and hometown runner Aaron J. Metler, 26, finished as the overall winner with a time of 2:22:08.

Metler, a first time participant in the event, cashed in on his familiarity of the course. His job as St. George City Race and Special Events Coordinator has always required him to play an operational part in the event, but after last year's marathon, Metler decided to do a little more than help the event's department run the marathon; he started training as a runner.

"The amount of time commitment to do this was ridicules, but it is all worth it," Metler said. "There is nothing better than doing the hometown course for training on."

Metler's calculations, planning and workout schedule all came together to give him confidence.

"I ended up doing a 23-mile run three weeks ago in 2:08," He said. "That's when I knew I could run 2:20's in this marathon. And if it came down to a pack that was in the 2:20's, I would be in it."

Stefanie Talley, 34, finished as the top female runner with a 2:45:15 time. The nurse from Layton said she was just trying to improve upon her eighth place finish last year.

"I just wanted to run under 2:50, winning would be a bonus," Talley said. "I am just happy that the win comes as an extra result."

Talley's win could cause some consideration for a run at an east coast event.

"It's in my mind," She said. "We've (her husband included) both qualified for Boston, but I don't know if I want to go for that yet."

Nathan Crowton of Ogden won the men's wheelchair with a 1:53:48, and Niel Harding of Bountiful crossed the line first in the men's hand cycle division at 1:00:48. It was Harding's fourth consecutive St. George Marathon win.

Salt Lake resident Muffy Davis timed a 1:05:38 for the women's hand cycle division. Non-Utahn Emily McQueen of Michigan won the women's wheel chair at 1:53:44.

The remaining top three men's runners were second place Pepi Peterson of Hudson, Mass., (2:26:49) and third place Kenneth Pliska of Arvada, Colo., (2:29:13).

Women's runners second and third places went to Courtney Meldrum of Bakersfield (2:48:01) and Amber Green of St. George (2:48:37).

Nearly 6,000 participants began the marathon, no information was available at story time about how many finished. An announcement made at the awards ceremony stated that around 11,000 applications to participate were submitted.