The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Oklahoma City to honor the victims and survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing.
The tragedy that occurred on April 19, 1995, took the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, and injured hundreds more. The marathon is a way for runners and spectators to come together to remember the victims of the bombing, to honor the survivors, and to show support for their families and loved ones.
In this article, I will give you the details of the marathon, and do my best to portray the inspiration of so many Oklahomans who come together to support a common cause and to honor the victims and survivors of the bombing.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
For more information on the race, please check them out here.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is more than just a race.
This marathon is much more than a race, it is a celebration of the human spirit, a testament to the resilience of the human soul.
It is a way for runners and spectators to come together to remember the victims of the bombing to honor the survivors, and to show support for their families and loved ones.
I am not a runner by any means, but honoring the victims of this tragedy whether is is through sponsorships, community involvement, and to support a great cause is something I am going to get behind every time.
When is the Race?
Every April on the last Sunday, thousands of runners from all over the world participate in the 26.2-mile loop that starts and finishes at the Oklahoma City Memorial.
The course takes runners through some of Oklahoma City’s most beautiful and historic areas, including downtown, past the State Capital building, and through several picturesque neighborhoods.
The course is relatively flat, which makes it a great race for first-time marathoners, as well as experienced runners looking to set a personal record.
Volunteering
One of the things that make the marathon unique is the amount of support that runners receive along the way.
Pretty much at every corner of the race you will see aid stations and volunteers handing out water, sports drinks, and snacks for all of the participants.
Safety is also a priority at the event as you will notice medical personnel that is on standby for first aid and other medical support if needed.
Charity
The marathon is also a great opportunity for runners to raise money for charity.
As a matter of fact, the marathon raises funds for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, which serves as a lasting tribute to the victims and survivors of the bombing.
Many runners choose to raise money for the memorial and museum by asking friends and family to help sponsor them.
Again, this is an event that brings many Oklahomans together!
The marathon also supports several local charities, including the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League and the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Fallen Officer Fund.
A Weekend-Long Celebration
The race weekend kicks off with the Health and Fitness Expo, where runners can pick up their race packets, shop for running gear, and attend seminars and workshops on running and fitness.
The expo is free and open to the public, so even non-runners like me can come band check out the latest in running gear and technology.
The day before the race, runners can participate in the Pasta Party.
This event is an opportunity for runners to carb-load per say before the race and meet other runners from around the country.
The pasta party is held at a local restaurant and features a buffet-style dinner with pasta and other carb-rich foods.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And that will wrap things up for today. If you are a runner looking for a well-organized and inspiring marathon, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is definitely one to consider. With its flat course, ample support, and beautiful scenery, it is a great race for both first-time marathoners and experienced runners. And if you are not a runner, the race weekend is still a great opportunity to come together with your community and show your support for a worthy cause. I hope you enjoyed this article. Please share your experiences with the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in the comment section below.
-CT