Just weeks after pulling off a very successful first virtual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, race officials announced the 2021 date will not be run in April as has been customary, but postponed until October hoping for a better chance to run the race in person. To help make that happen, the 2021 Memorial Marathon is postponed to the weekend of October 2-3, 2021.
The Half Marathon, 5K and Kids Marathon will be run on Saturday, October 2 and the Marathon and Relay on Sunday, October 3, 2021, to best distance runners at the Start and Finish Lines. Race officials are still considering whether or not to include a bike race – more details coming in 2021. The October dates also provide the opportunity to hold the Health & Fitness Expo in the new Oklahoma City Convention Center.
The decision to move the race to October is based on recommendations from the Memorial’s Come Back Team of community leaders, health officials, emergency management, first responders and in consultation with major marathons around the world.
“While the virtual Memorial Marathon exceeded our expectations this year, we realize how meaningful it is to all be together in person for the #RUNtoREMEMBER,” said Kari Watkins, Race Director. “This is not just another marathon, this is one of Oklahoma City’s signature events that brings our whole community together. If a few more months allows people to run together, it’s worth the delay.”
Also new, Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has been chosen as one of the qualifying marathons for the 2021 Series (3rd Edition) of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda Age Group World Rankings. During the qualifying period of January 1 through December 31, 2021, runners can compete in eligible marathons across the world to earn ranking points. At the end of each qualifying period, the top-ranked runners in each age group will be invited to the 2022 AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Championships.
To sign up for the 2021 Memorial Marathon and to follow further race details, go to okcMarathon.com.