Honoring Lives, Celebrating Life
This year’s Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is just around the corner! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first time 5-Ker, there’s an event for you during the weekend of April 28-30.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is unique. Race weekend celebrates the resilience of OKC and the community’s willingness to come together in times of tragedy. 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 a moment of silence at the start of the race to remember the 168 lives lost and the survivors who remain.
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 here and sign up to participate here.
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 and Land Runners both offer popular training communities for athletes at every level.
Don’t forget to check out the marathon expo at the Oklahoma City Convention Center on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. Those participating in the Memorial 5K and Kids Marathon will need to pick up their packets at the Expo on Friday, April 28. 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 party begins just a few steps away from the finish line. After a brief hiatus and shared nostalgia for the tradition, the party will once again include burgers for all Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay runners.
Race Weekend Activities
The marathon partners with hotels in Oklahoma City that offer special rates for marathon participants, so if you are traveling for the race, it’s a good idea to check out this list for discounted accommodation options.
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.
The Festival of the Arts is 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 24-25 for the Festival of the Arts.
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.
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 free all weekend long! On Saturday, it runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Downtown will be blocked off, so using either the Streetcar is highly encouraged. Find more information on its route here.
All the proceeds from the Memorial Marathon go to support the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. You can find even more information on the Memorial Marathon page.
