Tulsa Run
Tulsa, OK
- 15K, 5K, 2K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
What started in 1978 with just over 1,000 runners has grown into a Tulsa tradition and one of the city’s signature events. With more than 150,000 15k finishers over the years, the Tulsa Run isn’t just a race—it’s a rite of fall. Ready to add your name to the legacy? … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 31):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 67 | 66 | 48 | 75 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 37 | 50 | 28 | 47 | 45 |
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A tour of Tulsa
Round two in Oklahoma, and I never thought I would say that Oklahoma produces amazing results. RunTulsa 5k and 15k races were well-organized, crowd-supported, high-energy races, despite rain and cool … MORE
Round two in Oklahoma, and I never thought I would say that Oklahoma produces amazing results. RunTulsa 5k and 15k races were well-organized, crowd-supported, high-energy races, despite rain and cool temperatures. The clever course routes highlighted what looked like fun parts of Tulsa, giving runners scenic views and multiple reasons to visit again. I only wish the double challenge swag would have taken a cue from the other well-produced elements.
Upon finishing the 5k, filing through the FINISH LINE corral to the start line (again) for the 15k was quick and easy. This time around, the starting corral was full. Clearly the 15k is the more popular race. We did have to move fairly quickly was we (aka I) underestimated how much time we would have between the races. Nonetheless, since we already had a preview of the race, thanks to the 5k, we knew to stick to the left and hug the curb as the first turn.
For the 15k, we circled the city passing by numerous independent retail stores and food establishments. If time was not of the essence, there definitely would have been some window-shopping. We also ran the through a local park and gorgeous residential neighborhood. I failed to take pictures, but my running partners captured the ducks and working fountain nestled in the neighborhood. Shout-out to the small group of volunteers with Jello shots as we left the residential area. By the taste of the shots, this was not the first time these ladies had made them. These ladies need to be invited to the next girls’ night out.
As we finished the 15k, the rain had slowed to a small drizzle and there was no happy accident steam cloud to run through. Instead, a team of caterpillar runners challenged me to beat my running partner. I HAD to sprint. It came to a photo finish and the runners congratulated me on my sprint when they crossed the finish line moments later.
This level of crowd support was similar throughout the 5k and 15k. We heard from a very friendly father-daughter running duo, that the rain probably kept away a good number of supporters. Even with the rain, Tulsa brought the energy. Neighbors stood on their porches, blared music on their rain-protected speakers, and cheered every runner. I run with headphones but turned them down a bit to embrace the crowd cheers and music. The city, residents and businesses clearly support this race, and it shows.
I finished the 5k/15k challenge with a time of 03:02. It gave me the redemption I needed for the prior week’s half marathon. Tulsa is a 4-hr drive, so I can’t promise it’ll be a yearly trip. By the time I got home, I was exhausted! Nonetheless, I’d like to experience Tulsa without the rain and will try to arrive earlier or making it part of a bigger race weekend. So far, Oklahoma races are 2 for 2, having previously done the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. I have another (Route 66 Half) in November and have no reason to believe Oklahoma will not end 3 for 3.
RunTulsa RAN
Despite the Rain, RUNTulsa RAN Depending on the crowd, and participating friends, I can either be first finisher or dead last. I’ve learned that showing up for races, is for … MORE
Despite the Rain, RUNTulsa RAN
Depending on the crowd, and participating friends, I can either be first finisher or dead last. I’ve learned that showing up for races, is for everyone. RUNTulsa clearly shares the sentiment, because the 5k included a wide cross section of runners, families, runners looking to have fun in costume and those looking for a fast time.
First things first, my running partner and I drove down Friday evening and made it to the expo minutes before closing. By the size of the VFW, where the expo was held, we both sensed that we didn’t miss much of an expo. However, one of the volunteers was kind enough to take our photo in front of the “RUN TULSA RUN” marquee letters. It was also here that we learned the double challenge, running the 5k and 15k races, only involved one medal. We did get a nice light grey hoodie with RUNTulsa’s signature teal lettering, but having done numerous challenges this year, the singular medal was slightly disappointing. It does distinguish itself from the individual 2k, 5k, and 15k. It literally says “Double” on the bottom and the teal ribbon lists 5k and 15k. Supposedly, it was the biggest medal, but I didn’t see the other ones close enough to see a size difference. Next time, because there will be a next time, I will sign up for the 5k and 15k separately. Yes, this girl likes her medal bling.
The following morning, we arrived extra early to the race since we were unfamiliar with the area. With a Downtown start line, parking was plentiful and easy to access. A quick walk led us to the massive start and finish corrals with lines of porta johns and a massage tent sponsored by the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. (Word to the wise – skip the massage. My three-year-old niece shakes my hands harder than the two students who massaged my knotted calf muscle post-race.) As back of the packers we gathered in the corral. It was a bit odd to be at the front of the corral. Runners didn’t line up right away and I was a bit afraid that it was a much smaller race than anticipated, but I think it was just the rain. Soon enough, start corral was full. Now, maybe I was still tasting sour grapes from the mess of the starting corrals at the KC Garmin race, but THIS is what a starting line should be like. Third street was completely blocked off, wide enough to avoid much of a bob and weave and long enough to see the start line and stay motivated.
Sometimes multi-distance races will short-change one of the distances on the scenic views. I’m glad to report that RunTulsa did not do that for their races. The 5k stuck to downtown with a turnaround at the Arkansas River bridge. Crossing the bridge would later serve as a turnaround for the 15k. Coming back from the 5k turnaround, runners continued with occasional gentle hills. Newcomers shouldn’t be afraid of the hills, and experienced runners can feel comfortable running up the hills for an increased challenge.
As we neared the finish line, a happy accident (no, not a Bob Ross tree) gave runners the opportunity to run through a massive steam cloud coming from the street manhole. Volunteers stood by to ensure the runners safety, but I still cried out for my running partner due to the lack of visible. It was only a few seconds, nonetheless, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t alone. Or I was hoping he would stop, and I could beat him to the finish line. I had to settle for a photo finish tie.
As much as I enjoyed the 5k, I won’t drive 4-hours for a 5k. I would definitely have to do the 15k as well. Yet, if I was a local, it would definitely be on my yearly races calendar.
Part 2 of same day challenge
Much like the other review, I'm marking the swag down because it was only one medal and item for the challenge, not because it was inherently bad, though the medal … MORE
Much like the other review, I’m marking the swag down because it was only one medal and item for the challenge, not because it was inherently bad, though the medal was a bit small for something bigger than 15k and for 5k+15k, I would have expected more. The hoodie was nice though and seemed a lighter weight than a lot of them, so I may get more use out of it.
The course was a nice tour of Tulsa showcasing a lot of local flavor. I don’t think I passed one Burger King/Sonic/Whataburger type of place, and I actually ended up snapping some quick pictures of some places to try when I’m back in town, which will absolutely happen, because Tulsans know how to show up for a run. All the aid stations were packed with enthusiastic volunteers, music was, at the farthest, just beyond the next major turn and the energy on the course was high the whole way. There are some nice hills in there, so flatlanders beware, but as a Kansas Citian there was nothing that was of any great concern or any different than a training run. The end of the race is around the corner from the start and 20k into the day, running up that final hill into Tulsa felt great. Signage on this course is measured in kilometers, which I actually think I like better if it’s going to be a non-standard length like a 15k, though I had no idea what my numbers should have looked like for splits in my head, so I just pushed and tried to keep my race buddy motivated.
Skip the massage tables at the end, though it was nice in theory. Seemed to be staffed with college kids who were just there to get volunteer hours or something. I’ve had a more deliberate massage from my rescue kitten making biscuits on my leg. Tulsa puts on a good race, the neighborhood support was better than I expected in the cold drizzle, and despite the higher concrete ratio than I like, I think it was a good race worth repeating in better weather. Met some great locals who shared wonderful knowledge of other races, and I see myself planning a Tulsa trip again before I know it.
Part 1 of same day challenge
So first off, the only reason I'm rating swag so low is because we did a 5k and 15k RUNTulsa challenge, but you only get one medal and one swag … MORE
So first off, the only reason I’m rating swag so low is because we did a 5k and 15k RUNTulsa challenge, but you only get one medal and one swag item. As someone who does a lot of challenges (around 8 or 9 this year), that’s just not standard. I don’t like doing that though, because it is a nicely designed medal, and of the three, I actually liked the 5k more, so it was a shame I didn’t get it. They’re all the same design, slightly different sizes maybe. The double medal was about standard 10k size, but smaller than most commemorative 10k medals like Plaza 10k 15-year, if that means anything to anyone.
Issues with swag aside, it was a nice race. It was a nice course and a good preview of the 15k to come (an hour after the start of the 5k). There was a slightly higher ratio of concrete on the course than I’d care for, but it wouldn’t be an issue if wasn’t my 75th race of the year, which I just noticed. Despite the cold drizzle, Tulsa showed up, and people were out with their speakers covered in ponchos keeping the music blaring. After the lack-luster performance of KC this year, that was a welcome benefit, but I’m not going to say I was thrilled that little Tulsa showed up Kansas City despite less spectator-friendly weather. Good on ’em.
The course had a couple hills to them that were bigger than I was expecting but honestly much smaller than we have for our twice weekly training runs, so unless you’re a pure flatlander you shouldn’t have any problems.
Will I do this course again? Absolutely. Will I be back next year? Depends on the race schedule. Will I sign up for the two races separately and not do the double challenge? Absolutely.
My very first 5k
Did not realize that this race would be the one I compare all other races to. Expected all the following races to have that size turnout and energy. Fairly easy … MORE
Did not realize that this race would be the one I compare all other races to. Expected all the following races to have that size turnout and energy.
Fairly easy course throughout downtown Tulsa.
This race is close to Halloween, so many many characters will be there dressed up in costumes, which adds to the fun of this race.
Cool Day for a race Happy Halloween
The expo this year was a bib pickup due to covid restrictions. The race always has a great long sleeve shirt and a nice medal. This year the end featured … MORE
The expo this year was a bib pickup due to covid restrictions. The race always has a great long sleeve shirt and a nice medal. This year the end featured pizza, candy bars, water and beer. There also was a fireball stand on the last mile. This 15k(9.3) race starts in downtown goes thru the Gathering Place and visits the Route 66 bridge before climbing up Bolder and Boston Street. There is music and dancing even at 8:00 am. I love this race, I competed in the Walker division in 2016 and took Third overall. So I am hooked… with the cold weather 40F start and 57F finish, I added another PR. So come see us and meet some friendly people… don’t be afraid of the crazy Halloween costumes you find there.