Honoring Lives, Celebrating Life
This year’s Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is just around the corner, and it marks 26 years since the first "Run to Remember." Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first time 5-Ker, there’s an event for you during the weekend of April 24-26.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is unique. It’s about more than running — it’s about celebrating life. Race weekend celebrates the resilience of OKC and the community’s willingness to come together in times of tragedy. The Run to Remember brings together runners and spectators from around the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. There’s arguably no marathon like it. The physical ground runners traverse during the 26.2-mile course holds immense significance and connection with the event’s purpose. Runners are welcomed with 168 seconds of silence at the start of each race to remember the 168 lives lost, the survivors and all those who were changed forever. The community and spectators come out in force to provide amazing crowd support along the entire course!
Our story as Oklahomans and the shared humanity of individuals who travel from across the country (and world) for the day is highlighted from start to finish line. Are you sold on being a part of it? Check out the full schedule of events and sign up to participate.
Helpful Hints for Runners
If you’re already signed up, you’ve likely spent the past couple of months training. Solo runners, you may be eager to find friends who are also excited about the sport. A few 16+ mile runs can start to get lonely. Luckily, there are a variety of social run options offered by organizations and businesses throughout the city. Red Coyote Running, OK Runner, WAHOO! Running and Land Runners offer popular training communities for athletes at every level.
Don’t forget to check out the Health & Fitness Expo at the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25. Those participating in the Memorial 5K, Senior Marathon and Kids Marathon will need to pick up their packets at the Expo on Friday, April 24. The expo is the place to grab your last-minute nutrition items, pick up your packet and enjoy the variety of booths.
Tell your friends, family, co-workers and loved ones to get out and cheer you and the thousands of other runners on! There are multiple locations for spectators around the course, but if you need some pointers, this spectator information link may be helpful.
Make sure you soak up the huge accomplishment of getting yourself out there. It’s a big deal to participate in a marathon and you deserve to relish in the joy of this success! The course finishes in downtown Oklahoma City and the Finish Line Festival begins just a few steps away from the finish line.
Race Weekend Activities
At the end of the race, participants can enjoy a well-deserved celebration at the Finish Line Festival. Located in Scissortail Park, the festival will be filled with food, music, spectators, volunteers, friends and family.
Also during marathon weekend is the Festival of the Arts, a community celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts, bringing a variety of talented artists together in downtown OKC. Come to Bicentennial Park April 23-26.
You may also be interested in exploring OKC’s local attractions during your visit. Consider making a trip to the First Americans Museum, stroll around Scissortail Park, enjoy a free art exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary or cruise through Bricktown on a water taxi tour. Other ideas for exploring the city can be found here.
It may seem obvious, but visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum at some point during the weekend is highly encouraged. The interactive museum and memorial grounds help tell the story and share the impact of April 19th in a highly considerate and unforgettable way. Pro tip: race participants get in free with their bib.
Where to Stay & Getting Around
Marathon Partner hotels offer special rates for Marathon participants. For the list of participating hotels, click here.
The Oklahoma City Streetcar is fare-free through July 5. Service hours will adjust during Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon weekend, April 21-26:
- April 21-23: 6 a.m. to midnight
- April 24: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- April 25: 5 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.; service pauses during races and resumes once routes are cleared, typically around 10:30 a.m., continuing until 2 a.m.
- April 26: 4 a.m. to 5:15 a.m.; service pauses during races and resumes once routes are cleared, typically around 1 p.m., continuing until 10 p.m.
With multiple downtown street closures, riding the streetcar is encouraged. Learn more in our OKC Streetcar guide.
All the proceeds from the Memorial Marathon go to support the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. You can find more information on the Memorial Marathon event guide.
