Overall Rating
Overall Rating (166 Reviews)
4.5
(166 Ratings)  (166 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.4
SCENERY
3.9
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
4.4
The Williams Route 66 Marathon is a Boston-qualifying race that is run on a USATF certified course throughout 26.2 miles of the historic and scenic streets of Tulsa. All participants are timed electronically, and first-time marathoners will receive a special “My First Marathon” Finisher’s Medal. The Center of the Universe … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 23):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  62  57  71  55  55
L (°F)  35  40  38  33  36
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Recent reviews

    Sockwelly REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The race swag was almost the same as the years in the past. The hills in the end are killer, but manageable. I overall really enjoy this race, it’s always … MORE

    The race swag was almost the same as the years in the past. The hills in the end are killer, but manageable. I overall really enjoy this race, it’s always so much fun.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    2

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    aubreyflowers FIRST-TIMER '23

    The organization was great and not confusing at all! There were so many people cheering you on and handing out water so you felt very supported! The course has a … MORE

    The organization was great and not confusing at all! There were so many people cheering you on and handing out water so you felt very supported! The course has a few big hills but you’ll feel great about completing it at the end. Overall a wonderful experience!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Everything was nice except for the finish line i finished my marathon and try to hydrate myself but they didn’t give me a bottle of water because I had a … MORE

    Everything was nice except for the finish line i finished my marathon and try to hydrate myself but they didn’t give me a bottle of water because I had a Gatorade already. They were really cheap at the finish line one slice of pizza one 1/4 of the banana one bottle of Gatorade or Water you can’t have both and their price for the marathon is not cheap. I’m very disappointed I have been running the marathon since 2017 and it use to be very good but not this year

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    evy.paige FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was my first half marathon and the experience was so good that it won’t be my last. The thing about this race is that you run through neighborhoods. There … MORE

    This was my first half marathon and the experience was so good that it won’t be my last. The thing about this race is that you run through neighborhoods. There are many unofficial aid stations and just a multitude of people cheering throughout the entirety of the race. The volunteers were extremely friendly and helpful. The medal was also really nice. The marathon and half marathon runners received a blue quarter zip. It wasn’t the worst thing but I most definitely would not have chosen it for myself. The entire race was a 10/10 experience and I would definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3
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    krystiansisson FIRST-TIMER '23

    It’s a beautiful and fun route through Tulsa. The route is hilly through the first several miles, but the neighborhood cheering crowds were so encouraging. I would have loved to … MORE

    It’s a beautiful and fun route through Tulsa. The route is hilly through the first several miles, but the neighborhood cheering crowds were so encouraging. I would have loved to have a choice for the swag, but appreciated that the size choices were inclusive. One note is that the start and finish are not at the same spot, so check the map to plan ahead if needed. Overall, it was a positive experience and I look forward to running the race again in the future.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    1

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    brfarleyrn80 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This is one of the most energetic and supportive races you will run! Neighborhoods throughout Tulsa set up in their own front yard with signs, snacks and costumes to join … MORE

    This is one of the most energetic and supportive races you will run! Neighborhoods throughout Tulsa set up in their own front yard with signs, snacks and costumes to join in on the fun.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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    jennimiller2114 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This race treats Maniacs and Fanatics right! If you are a maniac, fanatic or 50 stater you’ll love the perks at this race! It’s a very well put on race … MORE

    This race treats Maniacs and Fanatics right! If you are a maniac, fanatic or 50 stater you’ll love the perks at this race! It’s a very well put on race for all! No detail is spared. The spectators are some of the very best! Tulsa does not disappoint! I’ve ran this race multiple times and they are always working to improve and it gets better every time! They work with the hotel partners for late check outs and they have a good expo.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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    jasonpmorris22 FIRST-TIMER '23

    This is a race that is hard to explain other than it being fun! It is a challenging course with plenty of hills and great views. Running through the beautiful … MORE

    This is a race that is hard to explain other than it being fun! It is a challenging course with plenty of hills and great views. Running through the beautiful neighborhoods of Tulsa is truly the best part of the race. The streets were always lined with people handing out food or drinks and cheering on the runners. If it weren’t for some people with pickle juice on one road the cramps I had could have been much worse. Great run and great environment!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Msjj16 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Route 66 is a great race & my favorite. It was my first Half Marathon in 2016. I look forward to joining the party on the pavement every year. I … MORE

    Route 66 is a great race & my favorite. It was my first Half Marathon in 2016. I look forward to joining the party on the pavement every year. I make it a full weekend completing the double! The community celebrate with us in the cold or rain! The volunteers are awesome!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Amcdowell65 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Good race through some nice neighborhoods, with occasional hills to keep you honest. Fans in the neighborhood make the race. Hello shots and/or mimosas just when you need them most. … MORE

    Good race through some nice neighborhoods, with occasional hills to keep you honest. Fans in the neighborhood make the race. Hello shots and/or mimosas just when you need them most. 😉

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    nick308shtr REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is a flat course until the end, which becomes hilly very quickly, but the support from the locals easily push you through. This was my 3rd consecutive year running … MORE

    This is a flat course until the end, which becomes hilly very quickly, but the support from the locals easily push you through.
    This was my 3rd consecutive year running and I set my PR with a 3:30:55.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    5
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    I have done this race several times. I love it. Our hotel is 2 blocks away from the finish line which is great. There are lots of fans out along … MORE

    I have done this race several times. I love it. Our hotel is 2 blocks away from the finish line which is great. There are lots of fans out along the way with a lot of them offering food and beverages to the runners. I love seeing the beautiful neighborhoods and the private school we run past. We also run beside the Arkansas River for about a mile, we get to run ON Route 66 for awhile,
    I did the full marathon a few years ago. They have a short turnout toward the end of the race. If you choose to take it, [you get to decide if you take it as you are running], then you have run the shortest ultra marathon in the US. They give you a coin and a beer at the top of the turnout. Very cool that I can say I have run an ultra.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    sandialyson FIRST-TIMER '23

    I participated in the Double (5k on Saturday and Full Marathon on Sunday). The race was so well organized and the community support really can't be beat. My only quibble … MORE

    I participated in the Double (5k on Saturday and Full Marathon on Sunday). The race was so well organized and the community support really can’t be beat.

    My only quibble is that the Expo takes place at the convention center where there is limited free parking (particularly with the setup of WinterFest). It would be nice if it could be moved to OSU Tulsa so it’s still downtown but parking is ample/simple to find.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    ArtDocRunner FIRST-TIMER '23

    It rained and was a little chilly but the runs through the treed neighborhoods really made this race worth it. We parked by the start line which was .75 miles … MORE

    It rained and was a little chilly but the runs through the treed neighborhoods really made this race worth it. We parked by the start line which was .75 miles from the finish. No gels on the course. My novice runner friends were none too pleased with me. Friendly spectators and shots along the way. Plenty to eat afterwards.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    The course support and spectators pumped us up. The course wound through a little bit of everything - bike trail, riverside trail, downtown. I enjoyed it greatly! MORE

    The course support and spectators pumped us up. The course wound through a little bit of everything – bike trail, riverside trail, downtown. I enjoyed it greatly!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    [email protected] REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The Route 66 is such a fun marathon!! Such good energy, everyone’s so nice & supportive. It’s always a breeze for packet pick up & race day! I love the … MORE

    The Route 66 is such a fun marathon!! Such good energy, everyone’s so nice & supportive. It’s always a breeze for packet pick up & race day! I love the medals, they’re always so cute & the swag is always super cute.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    mgavinellison1 FIRST-TIMER '23

    If you are looking for a race to challenge you, this is it! The crowd support was great as well as the swag. However, I suggest that if you register … MORE

    If you are looking for a race to challenge you, this is it! The crowd support was great as well as the swag. However, I suggest that if you register for this race that you fully commit because there is no deferral or refund.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5
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    archi82cib FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was a fun race for me to knock out Oklahoma with. The crowds are really good and there are plenty of people sabotaging your run along the way - … MORE

    This was a fun race for me to knock out Oklahoma with. The crowds are really good and there are plenty of people sabotaging your run along the way – donuts, jello shots, whiskey shots, all in good fun.
    Many people were unhappy with the weather, but I loved it. It rained really good right up until the start and then stopped. There was a little drizzle rain in my last couple of miles but nothing impeding my run. The temp was low 50s which I love for running weather.

    The first five miles are a little hilly. Only one big hill right about the mile 2 marker. But nothing to cry about. And after the big hill, you run through really nice neighborhoods for the next 4+ miles. Lots of crowds and support. I like twists and turns as well and neighborhoods help with that.

    Miles 6 and 7 are both downhill and flat. You can really push your pace here. You turn right when you get close to the river and then run on the same road for nearly 4 miles. That is a little boring to me but I knew it was coming and there are plenty of folks cheering you on. At the end of that road you get up on the old Route 66 bridge where you run out and back on. Its really the only Route 66 road that you are on. As you come off the bridge there is one more hill that will make you sad. Once over it, its just over a mile to the finish with half of it being a slight downhill.

    Race finish was ok. I don’t hang out long at the finish line of a lot of races. But I made some new friends and enjoyed the whole thing.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    Mciupak FIRST-TIMER '23

    As a first time half-marathoner, I felt very included and celebrated as a race participant! Since they offer a special distinction for first timers (including a special medal), each volunteer … MORE

    As a first time half-marathoner, I felt very included and celebrated as a race participant! Since they offer a special distinction for first timers (including a special medal), each volunteer was especially attentive and supportive! The course itself is through a beautiful part of Tulsa, and although it was a bit cold and rainy to start, there was still plenty of crowd support. The expo was easy to navigate and packet pickup was quick. Beware that the course is hillier than you would expect, but overall very manageable and accessible for any pace of runner. I’ll definitely be back!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    enigma20 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Your preconceptions about Oklahoma might be wrong. It is not as flat as most imagine. The expo was your typical expo. There were several vendors handing out samples and selling … MORE

    Your preconceptions about Oklahoma might be wrong. It is not as flat as most imagine.
    The expo was your typical expo. There were several vendors handing out samples and selling any gels or other items that you might have forgotten. The bib and shirt pickup were quick and easy.
    I stayed within walking distance to the start, which always helps relieve some of the stress of race day. It was a wet start. Fortunately, there were corrals for the start which helped alleviate some of the early weaving. The half and the full start at 8 with a gun shot and lots of confetti.
    The rain let up soon after the start, but I was already soaked and there were puddles everywhere. The half and full share the course for about 11 miles. The split off is pretty well marked, and there is a volunteer directing runners as well.
    The first 6-7 miles have a lot of rolling hills through some nice neighborhoods. The neighborhood was lively with some entertainment and looks of spectators. You eventually move to the trail for an out and back for several miles. Most of this area was fairly flat. There were still some spectators scattered around. Around 17 miles, you leave the trail and are back on roads. This is a slow climb for the next 3 miles with a couple bigger hills in there. Once you get past mile 20, you hit the University of Tulsa and then head towards downtown. This are was completely dead. There were no spectators anywhere. I was on a 4 lane roads with no one behind me or in front of me that I could see. It was almost a little eerie. The last few miles are a gentle downhill with a few rollers mixed in. Enough up hill to make your legs cry.
    The course was a little long according to my watch. Much to my surprise, I was on target to finish close to 3 hours. My goal for a long time was to break 3 hours. I knew it was going to be close and I gave it everything I had. I turned the final corner and saw the clock ticking up. I emptied the tank and finished just 5 seconds under 3 hours. Despite the hills and occasional rain, I was able to hit my ultimate goal.
    I knew the course was going to be challenging. I’m glad I didn’t let it intimidate me. I didn’t notice where the center of the universe detour was. I didn’t even remember about it until I was asked about it later. The full and half meet up again with about 1/4 of a mile to go, but they have separate lanes to the finish.
    The finish had some of the usual fare, bananas, orange slices, lots of drinks and pizza slices. The course itself had several drink stations and were spaced out well. The race shirt was nice and the medal was large. It will go nicely with the rest of my collection.
    I thought the race was very good, but I couldn’t believe how lonely the last few miles were. That’s when the cheers are needed the most. Overall, Tulsa was a nice city.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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  1. Races
  2. Williams Route 66 Marathon & Half Marathon