In Short: More than simply a race, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is an inspirational event commemorating the tragedy of April 19, 1995. Begun in 2000, the annual event has grown to over 10,000 participants and has been called one of the "12 Must Run Marathons" by Runner's World Magazine.
The 2008 marathon takes place on April 27th and offers a variety of events including the full 26.2 mile single loop course marathon, a half marathon, a 5 person relay, a 5k Memorial Walk and a Kid's Marathon. Prior to race day, there's also a Health and Fitness Expo and a Memorial Pasta Dinner.
The starting line is on Robinson, between NW 6th and NW 5th at the east entrance of the National Memorial. The finish line is one block east, on Broadway between NW 6th and NW 5th.
The starting line is on Robinson, between NW 6th and NW 5th at the east entrance of the National Memorial. The finish line is one block east, on Broadway between NW 6th and NW 5th.
Remembrance: Called by organizers a "Run to Remember," the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is built around honoring the memory of everyone who suffered due to the events of April 19, 1995 and the celebration of the gift of life. It is a physical event with an intensely emotional purpose.
A service at the Survivor Tree begins the day, followed by 168 seconds of silence for those killed in the bombing. Many runners will wear the name of one of the victims on their shirts during the race.
A service at the Survivor Tree begins the day, followed by 168 seconds of silence for those killed in the bombing. Many runners will wear the name of one of the victims on their shirts during the race.
Races: The marathon offers a variety of race events.
- Full marathon is a Boston qualifying USATF sanctioned event on a 26.2 mile single loop course with championship timing. Runners must be 16 or older.
- Half marathon is run on 13.1 miles, and runners must be 12 or older.
- Marathon relay is a 5 person relay with legs of 5, 10, and 12k.
- 5k Memorial walk is a noncompetitive run/walk for families and children.
- Kid's marathon is a race for children 11 and under on a special course of 1.2 miles.
Registration: Online registration runs until April 20th, but to have your name printed on your bib, you need to register by the 12th.
You can mail your registration form, but it must be postmarked by April 10.
Registration fees range from $5 for the Kid's Marathon to $200 for the 5-person relay. The full marathon is $85 per person. Check here for full rates.
Runners must pick up their packet in person at the Expo on the 25th or 26th.
You can mail your registration form, but it must be postmarked by April 10.
Registration fees range from $5 for the Kid's Marathon to $200 for the 5-person relay. The full marathon is $85 per person. Check here for full rates.
Runners must pick up their packet in person at the Expo on the 25th or 26th.
Health Expo and Pasta Dinner: Sponsored by OU Medical Center, the 2008 Health Expo takes place Friday, April 25th from 12-8pm and the 26th from 9am-6pm at the Cox Convention Center. Exhibits from sponsors and fitness vendors will be on hand, and clinics will be conducted on various health and fitness topics. Admission is free.
The Memorial Pasta Dinner will take place on the 26th from 5-8pm at the pavilion on the Memorial grounds. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the expo or with your registration.
The Memorial Pasta Dinner will take place on the 26th from 5-8pm at the pavilion on the Memorial grounds. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the expo or with your registration.
Sponsors: The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is sponsored by a number of companies including Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy, FedEX, AARP, The Oklahoman, KFOR, Cubic, Inc. and Citadel.
Restrictions and Gifts: The following are not allowed on the race course: animals, headphones, rollerblades, skates, scooters, bicycles or strollers. Baby strollers are allowed in the Memorial Walk.
Each participant receives a goody bag, t-shirt, poster, food and beverage. Finishers receive a finisher's shirt and a custom medal.
Each participant receives a goody bag, t-shirt, poster, food and beverage. Finishers receive a finisher's shirt and a custom medal.
Volunteer: If you aren't interested in running but would like to be involved, consider volunteering. Volunteers are needed in several places including packet pick-up, course breakdown and at the finish line. You can register to volunteer online.
Tips for Participants: Runners and walkers for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon should check out some of the great resources here at About.com.
Wendy Bumgardner, guide to walking, has an amazing full tutorial for marathon walkers.
And Jesslyn Cummings, guide to running, has a couple of great articles for marathon runners. She asks, "Are You Ready For A Marathon?" and takes you through a 22 Week Marathon Training Program.
Wendy Bumgardner, guide to walking, has an amazing full tutorial for marathon walkers.
And Jesslyn Cummings, guide to running, has a couple of great articles for marathon runners. She asks, "Are You Ready For A Marathon?" and takes you through a 22 Week Marathon Training Program.
Nearby Hotels and Lodging:
- Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel
One N Broadway Ave.
Approximately 1 mile from OKC Memorial
Check Rates
- Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel
10 N Broadway Ave.
Approximately 1 mile from OKC Memorial
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- Courtyard by Marriott
2 West Reno Ave.
Approximately 1 mile from OKC Memorial
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- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
6200 N Robinson Ave.
Approximately 4 miles from OKC Memorial
Check Rates
