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Why do you run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon?

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Leonard Kalinowski - Oak Bay, New Brunswick, Canada
I ran the inaugural Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in 2001 and the following six, before a move to Canada in 2008 and a medical issue in 2009 broke my string.  I ran in the past and will run again this year because of what this events is all about - a celebration of life.  The people of Oklahoma City have shown that tragedy is not an end, that grief and suffering cannot cripple the spirit.  We as a nation need examples like Oklahoma City to show us how to react when the unthinkable happens.  Not with hatred.  Not with vengeance.  Not by closeting ourselves behind protective walls.  But with the courage and strength to rebuild and to go on, to open ourselves to living, no matter the odds, no matter the pain.  One hundred and sixty-eight people died.  Many more could have died with them and still be dead today, but chose to live.  You all are special.  Your event is special.  The support and enthusiasm of the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and communities involved are special.  And we runners can feel that support and enthusiasm every step along the way.  Congratulations Oklahoma City on the 10th anniversary of your "celebration of life" . . . A Texan living in Canada
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Trish Hudson - Abilene, TX
I ran my first half-marathon at OKC with my best friend, Stephanie.  While having grown up in Wichita Falls and knowing about the tragedy that stunned the world, I had no idea how emotional this race would be.  I felt somewhat removed from all of the tears and sorrow....until I stood with my fellow runners on that cool morning in 2005.  And then it hit me like a ton of bricks.  Mile after mile, seeing banners with names.  Mile after mile, hearing supporters yell "Thank you for remembering us!" Mile after mile of seeing signs that thanked us for remembering mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, neighbors....Stephanie and I were in tears for almost the entire 13.1 miles.  In 2006, I decided to run the marathon here - for all of those reasons.  To remember.  To never forget.  My training partner and boyfriend, David, ran with me.  I got sick at mile 10, and had to run/walk the rest of the way.  He stood by me, and we were able to personally thank the volunteers and the sponsers along the way.  And at the finish, he proposed. Since then, we've gotten married, relocated, had a daughter, and I was in a car accident in which I broke my neck.  This year, we return to OKC.  To a place that feels like home.  We will be running the half, thankful that I can not only run, but that I am still alive. And very grateful for the opportunity to do so with such strong, beautiful people at my side and supporting me along the way.  We run to remember. And we will never forget.


Kyle Genzer - Mannford, OK
April 19, 1995 my mother, Jamie (Fialkowski) Genzer, was killed
in the bombing.  I am running this, my first marathon, in honor of her life and memory and the compassionate love she had for my sister and I and the Lord.  This anniversary will mark more years I have spent without her in my life than I had with her.  I run for those people who will never know the joy of running or exercising.  I also because it is very representative of the 15 year struggle of not having my mother.  I am very thankful the Lord has blessed with this ability of running and hope to inspire others with this gift.

Mary Dohmen
- Lincoln, NE
I entered the OKC Marathon when I read what it stands for - celebrating life.  On April 22, 2009, my life changed on a dime when I was diagnosed with a baseball-sized brain tumor. I had the majority of the tumor surgically removed in May 2009, and underwent proton radiation treatment for 6 week in Loma Linda, CA in October/November 2009.  It took months to be able to run again.  And I still have facial numbness and double-vision.  But I strive to run with perseverance, the race marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1) in everything I do.  

Brendan Chellis - New York, NY
Like everyone else in this country, I was horrified by what I saw on the news on April 19, 1995.  It was hard to imagine something like that could ever happen in our country.  Especially when we found out it was carried out by some of our own people.  But like most people in this country, to me it was a horrible story that happened to somebody I never met and it was something I would never experience.  That all changed one Tuesday morning when I went to work and somebody intentionally flew a jumbo jet into my office building.  On September 11, 2001, my city became that place that everybody watched on TV in horror.  But eventually they shut off their TV's and went about their lives.  Yet only one American city understood what we were going through and knew what it was like to join this club that nobody wanted to become a part of.  And that was Oklahoma City.  Right from the beginning, people from Oklahoma City came to New York to help with the recovery effort and to comfort the family members and survivors.  And eventually, that was how I came to meet survivors from the Murrah Building.  Over the following years, I became close friends with these people.  When they told me about the Memorial Marathon and what it represented, I knew I wanted to become a part of it.  Not only to show my personal appreciation for what you did for us but to show the solidarity between our two cities.  Two very different places that showed in a very similar way what it's like to stand up to adversity.  And so I have to come to Oklahoma City for 5 years to run the half-marathon.  This is just an incredible gathering that shows that good will always overcome evil.  And that even from the worst possible acts in human history, something good can result.  Thank you Oklahoma City for helping New York City when we needed it most and for letting me take part in this great event.

Lieutenant Thomas Matella - Kuwait / Virginia Beach, VA
I am currently deployed, supporting the Global War on Terror and will be running the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Satellite event on April 5th in Northern Kuwait.  I am learning the importance of freedom in a new way each day - longing to be with those I love. The impact that each one of us can collectively yield is immense, though hard to fully grasp. This life affirming event and the lives it commemorates has much more meaning than the coverage of 26.2 miles - especially today and in our tumultuous world. I stand with all of you and will see you at the "finish".  Today I learned details of two more sailors killed in Afghanistan - giving the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy. I run for them, and for the 4,800 service members lost and the 30,000+ casualties of these hard fought battles in the Middle East since September 11th.  I will run the entire 26.2 miles - alone, yet in unity with all of you and in the name of all who have gone, and all who shall follow... 

Denise McKee - Albuquerque, NM
I don't think any American was not touched in some way by the horror that occurred in Oklahoma City that day in April. My baby at the time was the same age as the child we all saw being cradled out of the rubble in the arms of the firefighter. The image still brings tears to my eyes. I live in New Mexico and felt like my neighbor had been hit.  I first visited Oklahoma City last year when I ran the half marathon. My first! I had the most amazing time. The community is so supportive. Thank you to all of you who came out on that rainy morning to cheer us on. I was a 44 year old woman, but that day I felt like an olympic champion.  Don't miss the prayer service at the Survivor Tree... It was an awesome beginning to the event. It puts all things in perspective. Live the life we have to the fullest, remember those who lost theirs. Be thankful....  So now at 45 I will accomplish something I have only dreamed of - a full marathon. And I have chosen this marathon to reach this goal. My experience was so amazing last year, I had to return. Thank you Oklahoma City for the support and inspiration. I cant wait to see you April 26!

Steve Pendergraft - Newcastle, OK
The Memorial Marathon in OKC was my first marathon experience. I run because of what it stands for.  My twin boys were the same age as Bailey Almon that was carried out of the rubble by firefighter Chris Fields. Her build and hair color looked identical to my boys' and it chilled me to watch. I still see runners who have a tag with her name on it and it inspires me. My twins are training to run the half with me this year. You can't explain the feeling at the starting line when the starting gun fires until you've experienced it. As long as I'm able I'll still try to participate. I have run two relays, two half marathons, and the full marathon. This year I'll do the half with my boys and it will be even more special.


Jason Lowe - Brandon, MS
During my first Air Force deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I missed spending the holidays with my family for the first time. I decided to create a new family tradition by urging my family to run the Memorial Marathon Relay with me. After some strong coersion that first year, our family now comprises 2 separate relay teams and a support group at least as numerable. This year will be our fourth consecutive year, and it gets better every time. Thanks for the chance to run to remember and celebrate the family that we are so blessed to have.

Ansley Shewmaker - Oklahoma City, OK
We arrived downtown Oklahoma City a little before 6:00, ten matching shirts marching toward the memorial grounds. We wanted to be there for the opening ceremony, a prayer at the Survivor Tree, a tree that refused to perish in the same bombing that killed 168 people. No matter how many times I have visited the memorial and seen the tree, I can never stop the tears from spilling out of me. I am always taken back to my kindergarten classroom, the confusion that my peers and teacher confronted after we heard the boom, and the moment of silence at the end of the day. I looked around at all the hundreds of people surrounding the tree, all the strangers holding hands and sending up the same prayer. Everyone was reminded of the circumstances of how this marathon came to be and why many had come to run it.

Katie Byers - Norman, OK
When I was in 9th grade, the Murrah Building was bombed.  From 20 miles away at my middle school I could feel the ground shake and we all wondered what happened.  We figured it was a military airplane test, only minutes later we found out that this was no test, it was an attack to our state.  A state we had always seen as a peaceful place to raise a family, a safe state, a place where nothing ever happened.  I found out days later that a youth sponsor from my church had been killed; I had spent the evening with her only 2 weeks before at a church sponsored lock-in.  At that point I realized how important life was and to take advantage of every moment that we have.  I ran the Oklahoma City Memorial 1/2 Marathon as my first 1/2 marathon in the spring of 2008, I ran it in memory of Victoria.  I run for all those that I didn't know but whose families and friends were affected the same way I was.  I run to help me remember how lucky I am to be alive and breathing, for the memory of those that weren't so lucky that day in April.

Wes Hollander - Tulsa, OK
In memory of all those victims. When the race gets hard I just look up at one of those banners with the names that lost their life and it moves me all the way to the finish. This is my favorite race.


Alan Countryman - Edmond, OK
I am a life long resident of the Oklahoma City area.  Of course I have vivid memories of April 19 1995 and supporting the memorial is reason enough.  The Inaugural Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was my first marathon.  I've finished each one since.  In addition I've completed marathons in 20 other states (some of them have been the larger races), and the Oklahoma City organization takes a backseat to none.  Each year I experience the same mix of emotion before the start.  The 168 minutes of silence, the National Anthem, the live music and the pure anticipation all make me pause.  But the start of the race brings on that celebration that is like no other, 26.2 miles with like minded people who know that getting out and doing is the best celebration there is. 

Stan Sweeney, RN - Hydro, OK
I was driving into Oklahoma City on I-40  for a meeting the morning of the bombing and saw the column of smoke rise up. Upon learning the details of the bombing I drove back to our Home Health agency and called my staff of nurses to gather medical supplies which I delivered to the Red Cross center. As a Red Cross nurse I was issued an on-site pass and worked dispensing medications and supplies. I have ran every Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and carried my 3 month old grandson across that first finish line as a tribute to those that lost their children. He has finished every race with me since then.

D. Chongo Mundende - Edmond, OK
The 2001 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was my first competitive running event because I wanted to honor those individuals whose lives were touched and changed forever. I came to realize how precious life is, when I considered the children whose lives were cut short. Often we forget the survivors. I dedicate my races to the departed as well as survivors. Every Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon reminds me of how precious each moment is. As we remember and honor those whom we lost, let us embrace each other and tell our loved ones that we love them every chance we have.

Wendy Landes - Oklahoma City, OK
I was attending school at the University of Oklahoma when we received news of an explosion downtown in Oklahoma City.  The simple fact that it was so close to home reminds us all to cherish life and to celebrate each day. I have finished both the 1/2 marathon and a full marathon and plan on participating again this year. I love this run because it symbolizes unity and the never failing spirit we have here in Oklahoma.

Troy Fuller - Ada, OK
The Oklahoma City bombing is one of those events in recent history that people can remember exactly what they were doing when it happened. Immediately afterward the local, state, and national response was touching. I felt an urge to help, but was young and had little opportunity. When I learned of the Memorial Marathon, I was given a second chance. I have been blessed to run the Memorial every other year since the inaguaral, this year will be my 5th marathon; it is a part of my life.

Jeff Quinn - Wichita, KS
As a proud former Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, I have a long history with the federal building. It started October 1989 when I took my first physical and was sworn in to the delayed enlistment program for Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, again in 1990 prior to shipping out to San Diego for boot camp, and finally in 1994 for a physical for the Officer Selection program.  My OSO recruiting officer, Captain Randy Norfleet, Stillwater, OK, was down at the Alfred P. Murrah building the morning it was blown up and suffered tremendous trauma to his eye, arms and legs, losing 50% of his blood in the process of being pulled out of there. As a result of this selfish, terrorist act, my recruiter had to give up his flight status and was medically separated from the USMC. My cousin worked there as well and I had met her for the first time the year before at the Compassi-Mensi reunion. I will never forget when her name came up on the screen as a casualty of this attack, as well as the loss of so many precious lives. I run this 26.2 miles with their memories and  in their honor, for those casualties of 9/11and for my fellow servicemen and women, vigilant in the line of fire past and present. Semper Fi.

Alana Lamkin - Wasilla, AK
I run as a reminder to myself that life can be taken from any of us at any time with no warning. When children die for no reason, part of their families die, their friends and thier country. We all feel the saddness for senseless deaths and try to prevent that from happening agian. Honestly it is our responability to remember them. This run helps us reconnect with the reality of it all and to love each other every minute of everyday. If we forget then we will regret.

Senior Airman Lance Paulauskas - Grapevine, TX
I recently returned from a deployment to Northern Iraq and during my time there developed a deeper passion for running.  This passion was driven by the dedication and selflessness of my fellow servicemen serving with me in a country that is beginning to taste freedom.  I am running for those warriors who have given of themselves freely to their country, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, both home and abroad.

Denise McKee - Albuquerque, NM
I don't think any American was not touched in some way by the horror that occurred in Oklahoma City that day in April. My baby at the time was the same age as the child we all saw being cradled out of the rubble in the arms of the firefighter. The image still brings tears to my eyes. I live in New Mexico and felt like my neighbor had been hit. 
I first visited Oklahoma City last year when I ran the half marathon. My first! I had the most amazing time. The community is so supportive. Thank you to all of you who came out on that rainy morning to cheer us on. I was a 44 year old woman, but that day I felt like an olympic champion.  Don't miss the prayer service at the Survivor Tree... It was an awesome beginning to the event. It puts all things in perspective. Live the life we have to the fullest, remember those who lost theirs. Be thankful....  So now at 45 I will accomplish something I have only dreamed of - a full marathon. And I have chosen this marathon to reach this goal. My experience was so amazing last year, I had to return. Thank you Oklahoma City for the support and inspiration. I cant wait to see you April 26!

Suzanne Butler - Midwest City, OK
Up until two years ago, if I had to travel one tenth of a mile, I had to ride a mobility scooter.  I was in horrible pain 24 hours per day, 7 days per week due to a spinal deformity.  Two years ago, I had a series of spinal reconstruction surgeries and part of my recovery instructions were to walk.  My employer sponsors relay teams in the marathon every year and this year I was able to walk the 7.6 leg of the relay (a total of 9.5 miles by the time I walked to and from the car).   I am very happy to be able to participate in this event!

Vera Balic, Seabrook, TX
Seven months ago my husband and I were homeless.  We received four and a half feet of salt water, mud and sewage back up in our home when Hurricane Ike passed through Texas.  So I had to entirely give up running and focus on rebuilding our home.  Once our home started looking like a home again, I decided to register for OKC so that I could have a goal, not related to a Hurricane.  I also wanted to prove to myself that I could get back into racing shape.  As for why OKC in particular, I ran my first marathon at OKC in '04 and qualified for Boston in '05 again.  So the course had special meaning to me.  There wasn't enough time to train for the full-marathon, but at least the half was a good goal.  Thank you to OKC for providing such an organized and inspirational event!

Mark DeLong - Oklahoma City, OK
I have two reasons why I run. The first is because I am a member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department and was on duty when the Federal Building was bombed. I remember working for hours on end, often in challenging conditions and until exhausted. As a department, we all left something in the rubble.The tragedy was over shown by our citizens response to it. The success of the OCMM is due to that response now. Every volunteer makes a difference and is glad to be a part. The other reason I run is to have just celebrated 25 years on the OCFD and to still be able to run the half. For the 10th anniversary I will do the entire marathon again. I would do it again, if called upon, I would hate it, but I would do it all again.

Christopher Mallow - Oklahoma City, OK
I ran for two reasons. First, I wanted to have a big goal to shoot for again. I've had a lot of personal and financial turmoil in my life the past few years, and it's been difficult to feel that I'm not just a cork bobbing on the waves of the ocean. I haven't felt like I could plan for anything or shoot for anything, because anything I tried would be washed away. This enabled me to have a big goal and accomplish it. It gave me some feeling like I still have some control in my life.  Second, I love Oklahoma and everything about it. I am an OKC native, but I only recently moved back after twelve years in Denver. It's been difficult being away, and I realized how much I took it for granted when I lived here before. I want to love and support Oklahoma as much as I can, never taking for granted what I have here, ever again. And what better way than this, in remembrance of one of Oklahoma's defining moments and in honor of those fellow Oklahomans whose lives were changed forever by it?

Michael Stelly - Tulsa, OK
I run because I can. I recently decided that I want to run for all those people who, for whatever reason, cannot run. I run for my son. My dad died of lung cancer from smoking in 1974. I was 10 years old. He was 42. Now my son is 10 and I'm 45. I don't want him to miss out on all the moments that I never got to share with my dad. I want to be healthy and active a good long time.

Kurtis Young - Dallas, TX
It has been my goal for about three years to run a marathon; however for the majority of those three years I was working full-time and going to school for my masters degree full-time.  Running, at that time, was my coping skill just to relax and do something to make me feel good.  After graduating in December 2008, I got serious about running and started training for the OKC Memorial Marathon.  Up until arriving in OKC, the marathon was a personal goal and a bucket list item of "Things to do before I turn 30" however, once I toured the memorial and the museum I quickly realized that it was about something much more than me.  In all honesty, the 26.2 miles was one of the best long distance runs I've ever had and I was very proud of myself and my time, but seeing how your community rallies around this marathon and what it stands for was truly inspiring and energizing.  Thank you for this experience that I know I will carry with me throughout my life.  I was proud to be a part of something this special.

Maria Wiedmann - Fort Worth, TX
I have just recently moved to Tx. due to my husband's job but I will always be an Oklahoman and proud of it. Like so many affected by the event's of that day my husband and I were planning a celebration for our 9th wedding anniversary that year. Our lives have not been the same since. So many people that day were robbed of the chance to say their last farwell and "I love you"'s totally unaware of the cowardly plot of fellow human beings. My middle daughter was so affected by the events of that day and the affect's it had on our family and our marriage and 3 years ago she requested that I walk the 5K with her to honor all involved. This was our 3rd year and this year we did the half marathon. It has become very personal for the 2 of us and something we look forward to doing together. I am so proud of her, not only for challenging me to this (50 and really out of shape, well, past tense) but she had her 3rd knee surg. in 2008 (major with pins and screw's) and still was able to complete our first half marathon. I treasure this time with my daughter and with the people of OKC to honor all people touched by the events of that April 19th 1995. I love you Oklahoma, I love you my precious daughter Alena and we will never forget..... see you next year and every year that God will allow me to run with you in remembrance.

Jay White - Lubbock, TX
All I have to say is WOW! I will never miss another OKC Marathon. Thanks for all the memories, fun and emotions.

Karen Carothers - Oklahoma City, OK
I have participated every year except one when I got a stomach virus the night before.  I lost two friends in the bombing, and another friend, a survivor, committed suicide.  I run for them, and I run because it is such a great event for OKC visitors.  I love that it comes at the end of the Arts Festival, my favorite OKC springtime ritual.  Over the years out-of-state family members also have run, and we all think it is a well-organized, uplifting, and memorable run for a very worthy cause.





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