Thus was my first time racing in a half marathon. I had a wonderful experience. Was glad I purchased vip tickets because it was cold and the heaters in a … MORE
Thus was my first time racing in a half marathon. I had a wonderful experience. Was glad I purchased vip tickets because it was cold and the heaters in a tent was appreciated. Plus bathrooms with no line. I couldn’t believe the number of people in line for public portas only 5 minutes before race started. Was a tough course. Had lots of hills and a few really long stretches.
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Great experience
Thus was my first time racing in a half marathon. I had a wonderful experience. Was glad I purchased vip tickets because it was cold and the heaters in a … MORE
Thus was my first time racing in a half marathon. I had a wonderful experience. Was glad I purchased vip tickets because it was cold and the heaters in a tent was appreciated. Plus bathrooms with no line. I couldn’t believe the number of people in line for public portas only 5 minutes before race started. Was a tough course. Had lots of hills and a few really long stretches.
Fun run, but so cold!
The morning of this race it was so bitterly cold outside. When we started it was 23 degrees and it warmed up to about 32 by the time I finished. … MORE
The morning of this race it was so bitterly cold outside. When we started it was 23 degrees and it warmed up to about 32 by the time I finished. There was even a big patch of ice on the street in one of the neighborhoods. Luckily some nice runners in front were yelling “Ice” to warn those of us behind, otherwise I probably would have slipped and fallen. This run took us through some pretty neighborhoods and different areas of town. The section of the run that is actually on Route 66 is pretty small, but there is a nice route 66 sign on the overpass and on the road that was great for photos. The spectators along the course were amazing! (Some of the best I have experienced.) They really made all of us feel welcome and gave us lots of cheers and encouragement.
The post run celebration was a blast. They had a live band that performed (shout out to Home Skillet!) and they were a lot of fun. They really engaged with the crowd and played music that people knew.
Fun race!
This years race was COLD! It was 22 degrees when we started. The race course was really pretty through some of the historic neighborhoods of Tulsa and along the river. … MORE
This years race was COLD! It was 22 degrees when we started. The race course was really pretty through some of the historic neighborhoods of Tulsa and along the river. The course was mostly surface streets through town which were pretty well maintained and not overly curved.
I was a little disappointed at how little this race was actually on Route 66 but I knew that going into the race after doing some research and seeing the the course had changed a bit.
Overall though, it was a fun race through some really pretty areas of Tulsa.
Rocked the Route
Loved running the Route 66. It was cold temps (started out in the mid 20s) but the sun was shining and there was no wind. The hills at the end … MORE
Loved running the Route 66. It was cold temps (started out in the mid 20s) but the sun was shining and there was no wind. The hills at the end once again felt like monsters, but was able to PR! Fantastic medals and swag this year.
Super fun party race!
Super fun, great way to tick off your OK box or an early Thanksgiving race! Loved the course, it's a great mix of flats and hills and the scenery (beautiful … MORE
Super fun, great way to tick off your OK box or an early Thanksgiving race! Loved the course, it’s a great mix of flats and hills and the scenery (beautiful homes, downtown, parks) is lovely. Also the reviews are not joking that this is a PARTY for the homeowners you pass by! I don’t think I have ever or will ever be offered so much alcohol while running. Very cool medal and race jacket for this year as well!
Some cons: The race photography they used was awful. Not that I run just for photos, but I had to go through so many hoops to even access the TWO photos their system tagged of me. Meanwhile when I looked at the full gallery, I could find about 25 more pictures that clearly had my bib in them (I was on the starting line of Corral D for crying out loud!) The finish line was a single line up for the usual bananas, oranges, etc. and by the time I was done I didn’t want to wait in a line on shaky legs.
Overall, would say 8/10-the first 9.5 miles have great crowd support and then be prepared for a total dead zone while running on route 66 into downtown Tulsa. Also the hills are no joke, but I loved the challenge!
Well-Organized Race
This was my first time participating in this race. The event was well-organized, provided frequent communication updates, and had lots of event-day volunteers. The participant medal and jacket were high … MORE
This was my first time participating in this race. The event was well-organized, provided frequent communication updates, and had lots of event-day volunteers. The participant medal and jacket were high quality. I gave the event a 4-star instead of 5 because the health expo had very few vendors and the post-race food was dismal. However, I would recommend this race to others. It was a fantastic experience.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66!
Loved it and highly recommend this race! Great volunteers! Nice swag and medals. The start was Awesome with the confetti floating everywhere! Love the course entertainment. The choir and bands … MORE
Loved it and highly recommend this race! Great volunteers! Nice swag and medals. The start was Awesome with the confetti floating everywhere! Love the course entertainment. The choir and bands were phenomenal!
Great race
Expo and corals were very well organized. The whole pre-race reminded me of a mini Indy Mini. The course was pretty hilly for a flat lander like myself. The first … MORE
Expo and corals were very well organized. The whole pre-race reminded me of a mini Indy Mini. The course was pretty hilly for a flat lander like myself. The first six miles were pretty much all up and down. A couple of the hills were pretty good climbs and was mostly run through neighborhoods and a park (I think). After that it was pretty flat run mostly along a river path that had some nice views. Somewhere around mile 11 or 12 you finally get to run on Route 66 for a little bit. Only bad thing was a lack of porta potties and water stations were spaced out pretty far apart. There were tons of people along the course handing out water and lots of alcohol though. Lots of crowd support. Was a fun race for sure and would do again if the chance was there after I finish my 50 states. The jacket was ok, not a fan of white. The relay people got a nice blue hoodie that I wish I could have gotten instead :).
A Well Oiled Machine (race)
The race production company was top notch! From host hotels, aid stations, volunteers, and communication. This was a well organized race and I loved the medal. I was not a … MORE
The race production company was top notch! From host hotels, aid stations, volunteers, and communication. This was a well organized race and I loved the medal. I was not a fan of the jacket, but kudos to giving swag above and beyond a tee shirt.
I walked this half marathon with a grip and there was still plenty of support for the back of the packers.
Cool swag and medal..poor otherwise
Pros: Cool swag and medal Volunteers Cons: Hilly course Lack of hydration stations Poor post race refreshments Overhyped race. Wouldn't recommend. MORE
Pros:
Cool swag and medal
Volunteers
Cons:
Hilly course
Lack of hydration stations
Poor post race refreshments
Overhyped race. Wouldn’t recommend.
Get your kicks on Route 66!
If you haven't "Run the Route" yet, what're you waiting for?!? Get yourself to Oklahoma next November and kick it! This is probably the single best organized race you're going … MORE
If you haven’t “Run the Route” yet, what’re you waiting for?!? Get yourself to Oklahoma next November and kick it! This is probably the single best organized race you’re going to encounter across America. It’s designed by runners, administered by runners, and caters to runners. The course is deceptively hilly but showcases the very best Tulsa has to offer. It begins with the traditional confetti-cannon starting “gun” for each of the four corrals. Along the course, you’re going to encounter a number of Tulsa treasures: Brookside neighborhoods, Utica Square, Cascia Hall, Philbrook Museum, Riverside Drive, Route 66, The Gathering Place, The University of Tulsa, Church Studios (e.g., Leon Russell!) and The Center of the Universe (COTU) “detour.” Sly Stallone was filming a segment of “Tulsa King” on that very site just last month. And R66 does swag right. Expect a quality race jacket, an impressive medal, and a large, commemorative coin for those who make the COTU Detour.
This was my 100th, and potentially, final marathon. (Ever have that experience with an old vehicle where you step on the gas …….. and nothing happens?!?) I chose to celebrate this century-milestone at R66 where I knew the experience would be the very best it could be. And I can assure you, the Route 66 Marathon staff, expo, course, swag, and experience did not disappoint!
Brew Review: Since Tulsa is pretty much my “home field,” I can provide numerous micro-brewery recommendations, many within walking distance of the downtown hotels. Check out Welltown Brewing (R66 sponsor), Dead Armadillo (which you run past at M-24, handing out pickle-beer to parched runners), Eerie Abbey, Elgin Park, Nothing’s Left, Cabin Boys, Marshall Brewing, Neff, American Solera, just to name a few. And those rumors you’ve heard about the profusion of alcoholic “opportunities” along the R66 course?!? All true. In 2022, I observed mimosas, a 4-person Fireball ski-shot, a half-dozen Jell-O shot stations, peach moonshine, blueberry vodka, Crown shots, spiked Mtn. Dew (ick…) and countless beer stations. These aren’t R66 sponsored activities. They’re a result of the course wending its way through numerous upscale neighborhoods and, since they can’t exit their driveways, the residents making the most of the event with impressive yard parties. I can neither confirm nor deny the reports, but it’s possible, that I might have been overserved along the way. I’m going to plead “Pain Management” on those allegations.
Slow Juan
Fun course and great support
This was an extremely well run race, from the confetti at the start all the way to the finish line. The half marathon course was a good mix of city, … MORE
This was an extremely well run race, from the confetti at the start all the way to the finish line. The half marathon course was a good mix of city, neighborhood, and green space (portion by the river). The beginning was hilly, but it seemed fairly flat for a good portion of the course. There were a lot of unofficial drink stops as well. I never thought l would do a fireball shotski during a race, but here we are! You are only on Route 66 for a short stretch, but you do pass by the Neon Sign Park. It was extremely cold at the start when I ran this in 2022 (in the 20s), but warmed up by the time I finished. If I was local, this would be an annual event for me.
Cold, hilly, and scenic
-Course Difficulty- If you did a half the previous day (like we did), the rating might be a little skewed. Trying to stay subjective, it wasn’t terrible. I uploaded the … MORE
-Course Difficulty- If you did a half the previous day (like we did), the rating might be a little skewed. Trying to stay subjective, it wasn’t terrible. I uploaded the elevation from my Garmin. Hills for sure, but nothing crazy. The course was all road through neighborhoods and the city. They did a great job of blocking traffic to keep us safe.
-Scenery: neighborhoods (if you like ogling over fancy houses you’ll definitely get the chance!) , with some route that followed the river. Sun was out and nice!
-Race production: race did not start and finish at the same place. While it was only a few blocks away…. They were LONG blocks after you just ran 13 miles. Over all it would have been nice to have a shuttle back to the start. And maybe a route Map at the end that showed road closures. Other complaint was in the middle/ end it seemed like bathrooms were a little more scarce. This could also be because I had an over whelming need to pee so obviously I noticed every step where one didn’t exist!!
-Swag- huge medal. Option of getting a first time one or regular medal. Gear was a white zip up jacket… if you love bath robes, you’d love this! (It really is nice… just reminds me of avid a bath robe). Other than that, great expo- even though we showed up an hr before the end in the second day. Still some good booths even with a chiropractor!
-Do you enjoy a alcohol? This race is for you! Multiple stops with mimosas, fireball, and other soul warming drinks! Of course there’s always the boring water and Gatorade available! No Gu that I saw, but a few Jell-O shot stations!
-The after goodies I thought was a little sparse: oranges, bananas, energy drinks, water, granola bar, and chicken toquitos. Outside was beer and a hydration drink booth. I guess I get spoiled at the smaller local runs that have an array of food options!
-The neighborhood support was great! Folks hanging out donuts, drinks, napkins to blow your nose, candy, and power up signs!
-And if all that isn’t enough, you can definitely find yourself a whole new running wardrobe along the route! Plenty of discarded buffs, gloves, and jackets!
Nice Race
As everyone has mentioned, there are a lot of hills. My time was horrible but mostly because I have not trained for a half in a few months. This race … MORE
As everyone has mentioned, there are a lot of hills. My time was horrible but mostly because I have not trained for a half in a few months. This race is worth doing at least once.
Great race
I was surprised at how hilly Tulsa is! But this race was fun. We ran through neighborhoods with beautiful homes with many homeowners cheering us on. There were plenty of … MORE
I was surprised at how hilly Tulsa is! But this race was fun. We ran through neighborhoods with beautiful homes with many homeowners cheering us on. There were plenty of water/Gatorade stops. Great volunteers.
Very well organized event.
The first 5-6 miles of this Half has a blend of hills. Once you get to mile 8 its pretty smooth as far as elevation. The crowd support throughout the … MORE
The first 5-6 miles of this Half has a blend of hills. Once you get to mile 8 its pretty smooth as far as elevation. The crowd support throughout the course was great from start to finish. The volunteers did a great job at the expo and on the course (aid/water stations). Parking was also smooth/easy.
Remains one of my favorite marathons
I nearly pulled off a PR at this race with minimal training so I have fond memories of this race. That regardless, it was a very well executed event. Swag … MORE
I nearly pulled off a PR at this race with minimal training so I have fond memories of this race. That regardless, it was a very well executed event. Swag was fantastic, creates for a great race weekend with the 5K the day before. Overall there isn’t a ton of people cheering you on throughout the event but there’s enough spectators sprinkled in with the aid stations so that you don’t go crazy out there. Would highly recommend!
Hope future races will be better!
It was poorly organized, no medals at the finishen line, yes they say because of covid. The route at first was really okay 13.1 but the last half was awful, … MORE
It was poorly organized, no medals at the finishen line, yes they say because of covid. The route at first was really okay 13.1 but the last half was awful, it’s like the town went died, there was a few people celebrating in there yards. But support and direction was awful the last 6 miles. The last 2 and half miles was really bad. Me and another lady just guessed where to go there was nothing to tell where to go or signs. And the the Center of the Universe was a joke! I was very disappointed in the whole marathon. I will never do a full there again. Maybe a half!
Planning to make this an annual event...
This was my second time to run the Route 66 Half Marathon, and I am planning to make it an annual event. From communication to race organization to on-course support, … MORE
This was my second time to run the Route 66 Half Marathon, and I am planning to make it an annual event. From communication to race organization to on-course support, this is an overall great race. The past two times I’ve run the race, I’ve also stayed at a downtown hotel that is literally at the start line, which has been especially convenient, and the finish line isn’t too far away.
Unfortunately, the medals had not arrived when the race occurred, and not having a medal to hang around your neck at the finish line was a little bit of a downer. (I obviously run for the medals! Ha!) But, I know the organizers will make good on getting the medals to us at some point in the near future.
Truly, the on-course support is also one of the best I have experienced. The city really turns out to support the race and runners. The race weaves through many lovely neighborhoods, and this is really where neighbors are present to cheer folks on, which is much appreciated!
Overall, this is a great event and one I plan to participate in for the foreseeable future!
Amazing race at the perfect time of year
I loved this race throughout the beautiful downtown Tulsa area and through the beautiful neighborhoods and up Riverside Drive. Great support from the community and crowds and volunteers made it … MORE
I loved this race throughout the beautiful downtown Tulsa area and through the beautiful neighborhoods and up Riverside Drive. Great support from the community and crowds and volunteers made it a blast. Overall a tough race and lots of hills but the scenery was perfect! Can’t wait to run it again next year!