The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is about more than running, it is about celebrating life. This is the spirit in which the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was conceptualized by two Oklahoma businessmen who, while on a morning run, created the outline for this inspiring event. A group of volunteer chairmen …
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The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is about more than running, it is about celebrating life. This is the spirit in which the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was conceptualized by two Oklahoma businessmen who, while on a morning run, created the outline for this inspiring event. A group of volunteer chairmen and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum staff, lead a volunteer corps that plans and implements the weekend of events allowing the maximum amount of proceeds benefit the Memorial and Museum. From its inaugural race in 2001 with just shy of 5,000 participants, the event now hosts over 24,000 runners and walkers from every state and several foreign countries.
Voted one of the 12 ‘must-run’ marathons in the world by Runner’s World magazine, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon’s 26.2 miles are packed with cheering supporters and the most beautiful neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. The course begins at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, winds through the Capitol, and Oklahoma City’s historic neighborhoods, and ends in Automobile Alley! Along the way, runners pass 168 banners, each bearing the name of one of those who were killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. The Marathon is a Boston qualifying USATF sanctioned event on a certified 26.2 mile single loop course.
Our mission is to celebrate life, reach for the future, honor the memories of those who were killed and unite the world in hope. This is not just another marathon. It is a Run to Remember…and a race to show that we can each make a difference and change the world.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is the sole beneficiary of Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon event proceeds. The Memorial and Museum receive no annual funding from local, state or federal government, so this event — the Memorial’s largest fundraiser — is critical for the mission to continue.
LESS
Too late in season for longer distances!
I have ran this race several times. Cons: Weather is a BIG factor. Tornados, wind, heat, humidity = race delays, less sleep, lowered performance. Same medal every year! Expo is … MORE
I have ran this race several times.
Cons: Weather is a BIG factor. Tornados, wind, heat, humidity = race delays, less sleep, lowered performance.
Same medal every year!
Expo is subpar.
No scenery.
Lots of walkers.
Pros: 5K runners are on a different day. FINALLY!
Race support is great.
Remembering the survivors/victims.
Do the Tulsa Rt 66 for OK
Add this race to your list!
This was an extremely well done race from start to finish. We stayed at the host hotel - Omni, which was right next to the expo center for the expo … MORE
This was an extremely well done race from start to finish. We stayed at the host hotel – Omni, which was right next to the expo center for the expo and next to the finish line. We had a little bit of a walk to the start but overall that was fine, good way to warm up. The race itself had more hills than expected but the local community support was unmatched to any race I’ve done. Once the starting gun went off, it was a constant flow of people so the water stops were crowded and I had to almost walk several time throughout the race because of the crowds. Finish line into the park was crowded also, but overall a great race, just expect a lot of people!
Fantastic Marathon
This was my 7th marathon and I was very impressed by the production of the race. They did an outstanding job. There was 168 seconds of silence for those who … MORE
This was my 7th marathon and I was very impressed by the production of the race. They did an outstanding job. There was 168 seconds of silence for those who lost their lives in the OKC bombing. The community really shows up for this race and I loved that. Everyone is involved. There is no shortage of water stops, food stops, etc. There was pretzels, orange, mimosas, beer, snowcones, donuts. Lots of music along the course. If you want to run a marathon with a lot of heart or just a well organized marathon, you should definitely choose this one. The expo was fun, lots of booths. The finish line was emotional after passing the photos of the 168 in the last mile. I definitely think everyone should run this marathon once. Highly, highly recommend.
Nope
Expo was okay, even though the best part was the Route 66 Marathon table...that should tell you something! (Run in Tulsa!!) Race swag was cheap and ugly. Medal is the … MORE
Expo was okay, even though the best part was the Route 66 Marathon table…that should tell you something! (Run in Tulsa!!) Race swag was cheap and ugly. Medal is the same every year, I guess, and mine was scratched. That’s okay for small races but not marathons. There are some stupid rules- no water vests… seriously??? It seems like it’s all uphill, just a slow, neverending, rise…
The post race party is not impressive. I got ZERO pictures somehow from the race photographers and one of them was angrily screaming at people on the course. Last year was better. This year sucked. I’m not returning.
Loved it! Fantastic run! Well organized!
Amazing run! Weather was iffy but thats OK. Watch out for mile 21-24. The long hill was very daunting. Overall, amazing crowd support and just a well ran race. Loved … MORE
Amazing run! Weather was iffy but thats OK. Watch out for mile 21-24. The long hill was very daunting. Overall, amazing crowd support and just a well ran race. Loved it
Impressive, well supported event
Had a great time running in OKC this weekend. Was impressed by everything: the city support, the expo, the course and the goodies. Surprisingly hilly course with equal parts incline … MORE
Had a great time running in OKC this weekend. Was impressed by everything: the city support, the expo, the course and the goodies. Surprisingly hilly course with equal parts incline and decline. I felt like the 1st half was more downhill than the 2nd though that could have been fatigue. Weather was better than forecasted; cool and overcast all morning after the prior evening downpour. Swag included a nice, modest medal, purple tech shirt and white finisher tank top.
Missed a PR by three seconds but mental victory as I had a pit stop at mile 9 and know if not for that I would have been <3:35.
An Emotionally Fueled Experience
INCREDIBLE EVENT! From the expo, to the race logistics like getting to the starting corrals, to the crowd support along the marathon course, and even the finish line festivities, this … MORE
INCREDIBLE EVENT! From the expo, to the race logistics like getting to the starting corrals, to the crowd support along the marathon course, and even the finish line festivities, this event feels HUGE! This is without a doubt the biggest, most impressive race I have participated in. Even for the full marathon, there is phenomenal support along the route. Yes, there were moments when there was quietness along the course, but there were also HUGE neighborhood watch parties. Some of these gorgeous neighborhoods really threw some huge parties and it was awesome to see spectators along the course late in the marathon.
The only negative to this race was that it runs very North-South. Yesterday there was a pretty strong South wind, so we ran a good part of the 2nd half straight into the wind.
Amazing Race! Do It!!
Did the 5K and Half Marathon for State #25!! This was an Amazing Experience and Very Emotional!! With your registration you get a free pass into the OKC Memorial Museum!! … MORE
Did the 5K and Half Marathon for State #25!! This was an Amazing Experience and Very Emotional!! With your registration you get a free pass into the OKC Memorial Museum!! Very Organized, Lots of Support along the Race, Great Finisher Snacks, Food, Medals and a Bonus finisher shirt. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Free Breakfast, Walking Distance to both races and Restaurants. We did the water taxi, cowboy museum, Remington Race Track and Memorial Museum. 10 Stars on this Race!!
Amazing place and race!
Incredible environment from start to finish. Crowd support is amazing. The entire weekend is unforgettable. Top-notch expo, programming, and swag. Volunteers are incredible, helpful, and friendly. Seemed like there were … MORE
Incredible environment from start to finish. Crowd support is amazing. The entire weekend is unforgettable. Top-notch expo, programming, and swag. Volunteers are incredible, helpful, and friendly. Seemed like there were water stations every mile. The course is challenging, but not ridiculous. The entire experience is unforgettable. I will be back every year I’m able!
Do It! Very emotional Run to Remember
State #26 Oklahoma Memorial Run to Remember - Registered for 5K and Half - Bonus Medal and Shirt. Received a free pass to the OKC Memorial Museum - Absolutely Amazing … MORE
State #26 Oklahoma Memorial Run to Remember – Registered for 5K and Half – Bonus Medal and Shirt. Received a free pass to the OKC Memorial Museum – Absolutely Amazing and Emotional. Expo is Awesome – Very organized race, lots of volunteers (we volunteered) Post Race Food – Lots! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express
Incredible Race and Experience!
One of the greatest experiences I've ever had. It was my first marathon and has been my favorite so far. Between the atmosphere, purpose, sunrise service, spectators, and much more, … MORE
One of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. It was my first marathon and has been my favorite so far. Between the atmosphere, purpose, sunrise service, spectators, and much more, I don’t know if I will ever top it! Highly recommend!
Fun Race
Easy terrain and hardly any elevation gain. Fun and spirited people lining the sides to support you almost the whole way. Great and emotional cause. Check out the memorial while … MORE
Easy terrain and hardly any elevation gain. Fun and spirited people lining the sides to support you almost the whole way. Great and emotional cause. Check out the memorial while you’re in town. You get free entry with your race bib.
Friendliest Race with a Powerful Message
Difficulty: As of April 2023, this race is my Marathon PR (overtaking Houston). I went into the race not expecting to PR, but the weather and course set up the … MORE
Difficulty: As of April 2023, this race is my Marathon PR (overtaking Houston). I went into the race not expecting to PR, but the weather and course set up the perfect opportunity to excel. The toughest part is Gorilla Hill, but the insanely awesome crowd support helped pull me through.
Scenery: While Oklahoma City may not be the most scenic, the course was laid out to where there were no out and backs and therefore you got to truly see different areas for the full 26.2 miles.
Production: The expo, start, course support, finish, medical, were all top notch with some of the nicest humans I have ever encountered. The production alone would make me recommend this race as I can not stress enough how truly friendly everyone was.
Swag: Both the shirt and medal were a bit lack-luster compared to the majority of races I have done. I do not blame them though as the race is to raise money for a good cause and in memory of those lost.
Enjoyable, easy going race
This was an enjoyable, easy-going race for me. I did not rush and spent the entire course time walking and talking with a friend. The race production and course is … MORE
This was an enjoyable, easy-going race for me. I did not rush and spent the entire course time walking and talking with a friend. The race production and course is super supported by volunteers and the local community.
The view from the back of the pack
Awesome run as usual. There are some detail reviews this year so I won't repeat what has already been said. This is a 1st class, city wide event. Everyone is … MORE
Awesome run as usual. There are some detail reviews this year so I won’t repeat what has already been said. This is a 1st class, city wide event. Everyone is super friendly.
There was a significant hiccup this year when it came to the Sunday morning bag-drop. Prior to the bag-drop cut-off time, the “contractors” handling this responsibility ran out of labeling tags, and thus shut down the bag drop. I thought there might be a riot from a few hundred people. Eventually this was sorted out and the organizers must be well aware of this situation by now.
I’ll do OKC again anytime!
Excellent race for a good cause!
This race is really powerful - done in honor of all those affected by the OKC bombing on 4/19/1995 and raises money for the Memorial Museum. Runners get free admission … MORE
This race is really powerful – done in honor of all those affected by the OKC bombing on 4/19/1995 and raises money for the Memorial Museum. Runners get free admission to the museum and I went after the race – very touching.
The race itself was well organized, from the podcast in the months leading up to the event, to the large expo, sunrise service at the survivor tree before the race, and the many wonderful volunteers. Water stops were placed at almost every mile which was fantastic, and lots of spectators in the various neighborhoods had unofficial water stops/other treats. The weather this year was great, mostly in the 50s and sunny, but from what I hear the weather in Oklahoma is quite unpredictable so I understand how different conditions could really affect one’s run time. I thoroughly enjoyed this race and recommend it as the OK race if you’re trying to do the 50 states!
Chickens, gorillas and spectators
This is a race in Oklahoma City that serves as a memorial to those affected by the bombing in 1995. It is held in late April and starts at the … MORE
This is a race in Oklahoma City that serves as a memorial to those affected by the bombing in 1995. It is held in late April and starts at the Oklahoma City Memorial. I chose this race because I have heard great things and it’s in a bigger city so easier to fly to. I only had the weekend so this was a very quick trip to OK so I didn’t have any time to spend in the city. I have been to Oklahoma City a couple of times in the past and it is a nice city so I wish I had more vacation days and could have spent more time there. For the race there is great pre-race communication with a pre-race guide and a nice app for the phone with information. I flew in Saturday morning. I was supposed to arrive at 1pm but my flight was delayed so I wasn’t getting in until 4 to 5pm. Packet pick-up is required before the race and the expo closes at 6pm. Since I would be cutting it close with the delayed flight I had a fellow runner from one of my running clubs pick up my packet for me (thank you if you are reading this review) so I didn’t get to go to the expo. Packet include bib, pancake mix, race guide and a nice short-sleeved tech shirt. Simple design but I liked the color and will use it. I stayed at the host hotel the Omni. I think it was a bit pricey but typical price for a host hotel in a downtown area and not too expensive for one night. The Omni is right at the finish and about 3/4 mile from the start which is perfect to get a warm-up to start and not have to walk far at the end. The race starts at 6:30am. It’s kind of early but there was time to shower before my flight so I liked the early start. There were corrals based off predicted times. Pretty much my only production complaint is there were not enough porta potties and I did not have time to use it before the race. The corrals went off efficiently I was in the last one and started around 6:45. There is the anthem and moment of silent before the race. This is a very large race with thousands of runners and the atmosphere was great! I think this race may have had the most spectators for any race I have done. Race weather was absolutely perfect this weekend as well. The race is all on closed streets or streets with multiple lanes blocked off. The half and full start together and diverge around mile 8. The first couple miles are in downtown Oklahoma City passed the memorial and basketball stadium. I was initially sticking between the 2:55 half marathon and 6:00 full marathon pace group but then around mile 3 you go into some neighborhoods and some of the residents had their pet chickens out and you could take chicken selfies and I couldn’t resist and decided to give up on my 3 hour finishing time goal and just have fun. The next few miles are mostly though neighborhoods. All of which had tons of spectators and many had themes. There was one street that was all orange with orange juice and mimosa and gorilla hill where people where dressed as gorillas and they handed out bananas. This part of the course is small hills. Nothing too bad. I walked them since I was more in party mode than speed mode. Then there is the split. The worst part of the course was a bit after the split and is a long incline. It is not steep but it’s a mile or 2 and a slog. Luckily there are still a lot of spectators and the final miles are downhill. Still some spectators but it did thin out a bit at the end until the finish line. Everything on the course was well marked. There were tons of aid stations. I carried water but didn’t really need it. All had water. Most had electrolyte drink. Many had snacks like pretzels and fruit and at least one had gels. This was a very back of the pack friendly race and everything was well stocked when I passed by. There were also a ton of back of packers. Almost too many. One thing I did not enjoy about the race which is somewhat outside the race company’s control is there was not great running etiquette on course. I was run-walking and with run-walkers but everyone kept walking in the middle of the course in lines of 3 to 4 people and not going to the right when slowing down. It was a bit frustrating as I had to weave around people and occasionally there was a whole blockade of walkers. I think it is great for people to be out there walking the course just please go to the right so faster people can pass you. Whenever I take a walking interval I always move over so people can pass me. This was most frustrating in the beginning when I was going for under 3 hours and less frustrating when I decided to just have fun. I was also worried when the marathoners converged it would make things worse but luckily they had half marathoners on the left and full on the right so the 3 hour marathoners were not mixing with us. The finish chute was very well done and emotional with pictures of all the victims of the bombing. A somber way to finish but it made you appreciate being able to run and get out there. You got your medal. It is okay. Kind of plain but a respectful medal for the event. There were typical finish line snacks like water, gatorade, chips and nutrigrain bars. They also had burgers but they were all beef and no veggie burgers. There was a nice finish area. I didn’t have a lot of time to hang out as I had to catch a 1:50pm flight and wanted to shower but it seemed like a fun area. Overall this was a fantastic race. Great production with an interesting urban course and possible the most fun race environment I have experience. Of the ~80 half marathons I have done, this is top 10 for sure and would probably be top 5 if they had veggie burgers. I would definitely recommend this race. I assumed it would be a one and done since Oklahoma is not very close to me but I would definitely consider coming back and 100% recommend it to 50 staters.
AMAZING crowd support
Water stations: Superb. Community crowd support (snacks- drinks- cheering - etc.) Better than any race I have completed. Only negative: Starting corrals did not have enough porta johns for the … MORE
Water stations: Superb. Community crowd support (snacks- drinks- cheering – etc.) Better than any race I have completed.
Only negative: Starting corrals did not have enough porta johns for the crowd. Plan ahead.
Boston Qualified
This race was a well organized, highly supported, and relatively inexpensive race compared to the larger marathons. The race honors the 168 victims of the OKC homing which took place … MORE
This race was a well organized, highly supported, and relatively inexpensive race compared to the larger marathons.
The race honors the 168 victims of the OKC homing which took place in 1995. It feels as if the entire city is out supporting this race. As you run through neighborhoods and cities there are numerous supporters and different areas. My personal favorite was running through the Lakehurst subdivision because of the numerous families out supporting.
My two and only critiques of the race were One, the relay, half, and full all start at the same time on the same starting line. They all have different bib colors but it’s difficult for runners and spectators to tell who is running which race. If you’re not careful the full marathoners can get stuck running with a half or relay marathoner and go to fast at the start. Two, at the finish line you are required to walk at least a quarter mile which to me felt like another mile after just running 26 through the streets to the after party area. When I finished I just wanted to see my family but they were not allowed in the finishing area.
For competitive racers
I’ve been told the course difficulty is highly dependent on the weather. Luckily in 2023, the weather was perfect. I could see how the wind, rain, cold, or heat could put a damper on your race time. The hills are not terrible until around mile 20 there is a 3.5 mile section which is all uphill. The website has a great interactive app. I recommend reviewing the elevation map and creating your plan from this. Make sure to bank some pace in the downhill portions early as the 20-23.5 miles hill you may have to slow down. But the good news is the last 2 miles or so is downhill to finish. They had plenty of water stations which also had Powerade.
Overall I’m very happy with the experience. My friend and family enjoyed the tracking app as well.
This is a must do race
Thank you OKC for rolling out the carpet for us runners. Everything about this race was top notch. Great course, great crowd support throughout, completely closed course so no interference … MORE
Thank you OKC for rolling out the carpet for us runners. Everything about this race was top notch. Great course, great crowd support throughout, completely closed course so no interference from vehicles, plenty of official aid stations (and enough unofficial to get a pretty good buzz going if that’s your thing!). And OKC is a pretty neat city – stay in Bricktown.
Only complaint would be not enough porta-potties at start area, and that bag check was woefully mismanaged. They assigned tags to the bags (rather than use your bib number) and when they ran out of tags, they said they couldn’t take any more bags. This was a case of the person in charge having no clue how to modify their procedure when situation calls for it. I had to scramble to get to the other bag check spot and ended up being practically the last runner to start (17 minutes after gun). All good though thanks to chip timing.
I would do this race every year if it were easier to get to. This is a must for 50 staters needing Oklahoma.