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 more than 25,000 runners and walkers from every state and several 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. Memorial Marathon participants have the unique opportunity to experience Oklahoma City’s most beautiful neighborhoods and districts. Starting at the 9:03 Gate of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, runners will see Downtown, Bricktown, the State Capitol, Nichols Hills, the Village and beautiful city parks. 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.
All event proceeds benefit the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. We encourage everyone involved with the race to learn more about our story — each participant will receive one free admission to the Museum.
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Fun Race!
This was my first marathon after completing several half marathons. Great race, a bit too muggy but fantastic race production and crowd support. Not too challenging. Would definitely do again! MORE
This was my first marathon after completing several half marathons. Great race, a bit too muggy but fantastic race production and crowd support. Not too challenging. Would definitely do again!
Great race!
This was a great race. There was a ton of course support and a decent amount of spectators. The only problem I had was when I finished the race my … MORE
This was a great race. There was a ton of course support and a decent amount of spectators. The only problem I had was when I finished the race my watch said I ran 26.7 miles.
A #RunToRemember
It’s true: There’s a meaning behind this marathon, and the “Why” is what makes this race so special. By now you know this event pays tribute to the 168 men, … MORE
It’s true: There’s a meaning behind this marathon, and the “Why” is what makes this race so special.
By now you know this event pays tribute to the 168 men, women, and children killed in the bombing on April 19, 1995. Do yourself a favor: Visit the memorial museum after the race. Don’t skip it. Be present in that day and the days that followed. Imagine what it must have felt like in this community at that time. Honor those who were lost. Find comfort and inspiration in the ways people came together in the aftermath of that horrific event.
The community so deeply affected by the bombing is the same community that lines the streets of Oklahoma City to support you as you #runtoremember. People from all walks of life — some who lived through that day — fill this city’s beautiful corridors to cheer YOU toward your goal.
The race winds through neighborhoods rich in character and personality. Having never been to OKC, I was struck by what a pleasant city it is. What it lacks in sweeping vistas it makes up for in charm. I never felt alone…there were crowds to herald us at every turn.
Hills? A couple. Mostly small. Gorilla Hill was the biggest, and that measly hill had overwhelming crow support, so you kinda forget you’re running on a hill.
Weather? Not too hot, but humid thanks to the storms sweeping through the night before. Cool and humid is still taxing.
The pre-race expo was one of the best I’ve been to lately. I came home with plenty of goodies for my daughter, including some purple shoelaces with the race branding on them. Fun!
Aid stations were plentiful — official stations every mile and unofficial stations manned by neighbors and community groups filling the spaces in between. Volunteers were enthusiastic throughout.
Post-race festival was solid. There was still a huge crowd when I finished in a humbling 5 hours. The band was good. Plenty of snacks in the finish line chute, though they ran out of free burgers (my only gripe about the event).
As I write this, I realize my typical checklist-style race review can’t…won’t…do justice to this race. Sometimes you just feel it. This one feels like a top five event for me.
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!!
Nice warm up to the half marathon.
Weather held out just a few sprinkles and crowd support was fantastic! Scenery was a bonus. The after party entertainment excellent! Roads were uneven in sections but overall a nice … MORE
Weather held out just a few sprinkles and crowd support was fantastic!
Scenery was a bonus. The after party entertainment excellent! Roads were uneven in sections but overall a nice course.
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!