Why We Run
In This Episode
As we enter this week of remembrance leading up to April 19, hear from a powerful lineup of guests who remind us Why We Run.
On April 19, 1995, Congressman Frank Lucas, representing Oklahoma’s 6th district, was in Dallas with the Oklahoma congressional delegation. That morning, he learned from a reporter that an explosion occurred in downtown Oklahoma City, just over a block away from his own office. From that moment, he has been a vocal advocate for those killed, their families, the survivors and first responders. Hear his account from that harrowing day, including the search for his injured staff members and how he was forever changed.
Nick Chafey was just four years old when his mother, Rona Linn Kuehner-Chafey, was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. Twenty-eight years later, he’s honoring her memory and the memory of the 168 killed by volunteering his athletic training services alongside on-course medical chairman and his mentor Ed Sunderland. Together they reflect on Nick’s and his family’s journey and remind us Why We Run.
And finally, there’s one pandemic-related change to the Memorial Marathon that’s here to stay: the Why We Run Weekend series. Instead of all races occurring on one day, six races are now split between two days, allowing runners to experience the Marathon in a more meaningful way with the 5K on Saturday and the half or full Marathon on Sunday. Memorial Marathon ambassador Jennifer Hilger is just one of these runners and stops by to explain why she Runs to Remember on Saturday and Sunday.
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•April 18, 2024
Why We Run
This week, we honor and remember those impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19th, 1995.
•April 11, 2024
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S3 : E13•March 28, 2024
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S3 : E12•March 21, 2024
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S3 : E11•March 14, 2024
A Shared Experience: OKC and Boston
Oklahoma City and Boston have a shared experience of people coming together to help others after a terrorist attack.
S3 : E10•March 07, 2024
We Celebrate Champions!
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S3 : E9•February 29, 2024
The Unity in Our CommUNITY
This week, we hear from three special guests about how they feel the impact of OKC’s community.
S3 : E8•February 22, 2024
Finding Your Fuel!
How do you fuel your body? Here are tips and tricks on how to train and eat properly to prepare for Race Day.
•February 15, 2024
A Family Member Shapes Young Lives
How one teacher shows her students the power of the Marathon and Memorial Museum!
•February 08, 2024
Safety: Race Weekend and During Your Training
Our OKCPD partners do all they can to make this the safest event possible!
•February 01, 2024
168 Banners Inspire Thousands
Meet the new Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Chair of the Board, the race runs right by her house. Then, go behind the scenes with the Start Finish Line Chairman and why the 168 banners are his main focus, and a young News 9 reporter shares why he never forgets.
•January 25, 2024
Too Cold to Train?
Winter weather doesn’t stop runners but what’s the smart way to train? The Marathon’s Medical Director has essential tips.
S3 : E3•January 18, 2024
Which Race is Best for Me?
Getting off the couch and running in the 2024 Run to Remember – how and when do you know which race to run this year?
S3 : E2•January 11, 2024
We're Off and Running!
Almost 1,000 runners took up a new challenge and joined the Memorial Marathon Kickoff Training Run – experiencing the new 5K course for the first time.
S3 : E1•January 04, 2024
More in Store for '24!
Happy New Year! Hear from some of last year's winners and David Payne.
S2 : E19•May 04, 2023
2023 Post-Race Wrap Up
The 2023 Oklahoma Memorial Marathon is officially behind us! In this final episode of the season, hear post-race reactions from Marathon winners and participants.
S2 : E18•April 28, 2023
Live from the 2023 Expo
Broadcasting live from the floor of the 2023 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, host Kristin Fares and Race Director Kari Watkins speak to runners, family members, survivors, volunteers and much more!
S2 : E17•April 27, 2023
See You at the Start Line
The 2023 Memorial Marathon is finally here! Get last-minute tips and insights from roundtables of runners, hear “Things to Know Before You Go,” find out how Nichols Hills United Methodist Church participates and worships on Race Sunday and listen to OKC Thunder General Manager Sam Presti’s recent inspirational remarks about the Marathon.
S2 : E16•April 20, 2023
Plan Your Race Weekend
Race Weekend is almost here and it starts at the Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo! Find out what to expect this year from OU Health’s Kelli Hayward Walsh. Plus, hear why the free streetcars are the best way to get around, and Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren explains why the Nation is sponsoring the relay shuttles and why they have been such a steadfast supporter of the Marathon.
S2 : E15•April 13, 2023
Why We Run
As we enter this week of remembrance leading up to April 19, hear from a powerful lineup of guests who remind us Why We Run. Congressman Frank Lucas recounts his harrowing memories from that day in 1995, Nick Chafey shares how his family coped after losing his mother in the Oklahoma City bombing and Jennifer Hilger explains how the Why We Run series is a special way honor the victims, family members and first responders.
S2 : E14•April 06, 2023
A Community United
Just two weeks after losing their daughter to anencephaly, Keri Young and her husband found comfort and support at the Memorial Marathon. Find out how the Marathon’s neighborhood support is unique and hear how Ainsley’s Angels makes endurance events possible for children with special needs.
S2 : E13•March 30, 2023
Accepting the Challenge
At 80 years old, Dan Little has completed the World Marathon Challenge twice, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. Pioneering broadcast journalist Linda Cavanaugh reported on the Oklahoma City bombing and now has a new role as Senior Marathon ambassador. And find out what relay teams can expect on Race Day.
S2 : E12•March 23, 2023
Leading By Example
The Comanche Nation’s new Chairman and retired Lt. Colonel Mark Woommavovah has run all over the world, from Indian Country to the Iraqi Green Zone. Then hear how seniors can prepare for the new Senior Marathon. Plus, get the inside scoop on the new Finish Line Festival beer garden.
S2 : E11•March 16, 2023
The Resilience of Running
Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray recounts the moments after the Boston Marathon bombing and talks about the Memorial Marathon as a Boston qualifying event. Plus find out how pacers can help you set a new PR and learn about the Marathon’s new and improved gear check process.
S2 : E10•March 09, 2023
Running With Purpose
If you’ve ever thought about hiring a running coach, this episode is for you. Find out how they can take your training to the next level, plus get all the details on the Kids Marathon and meet a runner who sings her way to the finish line.
S2 : E9•March 02, 2023
The Mayor’s Message
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt talks about the Marathon’s powerful impact and what’s new in 2023. Amanda Scofield from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality details the Marathon’s recycling and composting efforts. And three sisters explain how training together has strengthened their bond.
S2 : E8•February 23, 2023
A Story of Survival
Oklahoma City bombing survivor Polly Nichols and her husband Larry Nichols recount their harrowing story and decades-long commitment to the Memorial and Marathon. Michael Luchsinger details how he assists the Marathon in all things logistics, and water stop volunteers Dylan Motley and Scott Briggs explain what runners can expect on Race Weekend.
S2 : E7•February 16, 2023
We Run to Remember
Oklahoma City bombing victim family member Ryan Whicher reminds us Why We Run, registered dietitian Katie Eliot is back with new nutritional tips to fuel your runs and representatives from the Oklahoma City CVB have must-see recommendations for out-of-town marathoners.
S2 : E6•February 09, 2023
The Legend & The Course
Running legend Joan Benoit Samuelson is back with tips and a report on running her first Marathon in 3 years, find out what’s changed in the new Run to Remember mobile app, and meet two course marshals who’ll talk about what they do on Race weekend.
S2 : E5•February 02, 2023
Keeping You Safe
Find out how the Memorial Marathon keeps runners safe during inclement weather, meet an Oklahoma transplant running her first Run to Remember and hear how the Marathon is prepared for medical emergencies.
S2 : E4•January 26, 2023
The Message
Get all the details of the Memorial Marathon’s new partnership with Griffin Media and KWTV News 9, plus find out how to prevent running injuries and why the Marathon is the “Goldilocks” of races.
S2 : E3•January 19, 2023
The Mission
This week we explore the mission of the Memorial and Marathon, discuss marathoning and motherhood and find out how the Marathon honors the lives of lost loved ones.
S2 : E2•January 12, 2023
Senior Marathon
Get all the details of the new Senior Marathon, the post-race burgers are back and celebrate the life of the late “Ran Them All” marathoner Larry Qualls.
S2 : E1•January 05, 2023
New Year, New Season
Welcome back to season 2 of the Run to Remember podcast! Meet the new race director of operations, get race-ready tips from a marathon training roundtable and find out #whywerun from Sara Sweet.
S1 : E17•April 28, 2022
Post-Race Wrap-Up
That’s a wrap! The 2022 OKC Memorial Marathon is in the history books and runners and winners share their race weekend experience with host Kristin Fares and Race Director Kari Watkins.
S1 : E16•April 22, 2022
Live From the 2022 Expo
From the floor of the Marathon Health & Fitness Expo, the Run to Remember podcast host and Marathon race director talk to runners, family members of bombing victims, survivors, community members and some of the legends in the sport.
S1 : E15•April 21, 2022
Let’s Marathon!
For this race week episode, you’ll hear from representatives of the Boston Marathon and Abbott World Marathon Majors. Two past winners weigh in on the significance of the race and update us on what they’re doing now. Plus, discover a can’t-miss OKC tradition that takes place downtown on race week.
S1 : E14•April 14, 2022
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Police and fire chiefs recall their response to the scene of the bombing. A legendary football coach discusses his connection to the tragedy and the foundation he created as a result. Go behind the scenes with the producers of the free Friday night concert. And find out what to expect at this year’s Health & Fitness Expo.
S1 : E13•April 07, 2022
Like Mother, Like Daughter
In this episode, you’ll meet our host’s daughter as they discuss their marathon training journey, learn of the connection between an NBA team and the OKC National Memorial & Museum, find out where the Marathon route intersects with Route 66, and hear from the sponsor of the Half Marathon race.
S1 : E12•March 31, 2022
Can You Beat the Gov?
Learn more about the Governor’s Relay Challenge, pick up strength and nutrition tips from a pair of running coaches, get the latest health update on the race, and meet a representative of OKC’s Latino community, who talks about the 5K race.
S1 : E11•March 24, 2022
The Power of Perseverance
Meet a running legend who’s stayed the course despite a series of setbacks, hear from a woman who’s enjoying success in a traditionally male-dominated field, learn about the Heritage Hills and Mesta Park neighborhoods, and meet a businesswoman and mom who’s running her first marathon.
S1 : E10•March 17, 2022
Yes, You Can
Hear from a father who is half of an inspirational running duo, meet another legend in running, learn about the beginnings of Oklahoma City’s Asian District and its place along the course, and share in the story of a local runner who’s training for her very first marathon.
S1 : E9•March 10, 2022
For the Love of Running
Hear one of the legends of running talk about his love for the sport, meet a four-time OKC Memorial Marathon winner, check out a playlist specifically created just for runners, and learn more about the Marathon’s health and wellness partner.
S1 : E8•March 03, 2022
Nutrition & Training
Meet one of the founding fathers of the OKC Memorial Marathon, pick up fueling tips from a pair of nutritionists, hear about one of the newer neighborhoods along the course and go behind the scenes with two runners who have participated in every single Memorial Marathon.
S1 : E7•February 24, 2022
Making Memories
In this episode, you’ll hear from two KFOR-TV on-air personalities, get tips from a longtime running coach, meet the mayor of The Village and learn what representatives from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau think is the biggest strength that the city has to offer.
S1 : E6•February 17, 2022
The Gift of Running
Meet the executive chairman of the Memorial Marathon’s presenting sponsor, learn about the Yukon Runners and Walkers club, get to know leaders from the Voice of Praise Baptist Church, and hear from the head of the Downtown OKC Partnership.
S1 : E5•February 10, 2022
Super Bowl
Meet the wife of one of the Super Bowl coaches, get running tips from online trainers, go behind the course with an Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice and hear from the Marathon medical directors.
S1 : E4•February 03, 2022
Gorilla Hill
Learn the story behind one of the Marathon’s best course traditions, plus hear from a rapper and Emmy Award-winning artist, get running and race day tips from a longtime Landrunners trainer and meet the new chairman of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.
S1 : E3•January 27, 2022
Gear Up
Get the latest training, gear and nutrition tips from the owners of Red Coyote. Go behind the scenes with the Marathon’s longtime race announcer. Hear the fascinating story behind the Deep Deuce section of the course. And meet two key players who are working diligently to make this race a success.
S1 : E2•January 20, 2022
Getting Started
A running ambassador, civic leaders and race representatives talk about the Run to Remember and why it’s so important to the community. Plus, get an inside glimpse at what it takes to put on an event of this magnitude.
S1 : E1•January 12, 2022
Why We Run
Learn about the Run to Remember from the perspective of those most impacted by the bombing — family members, survivors and first responders. Plus, get training tips from a Hall of Fame runner and hear from the Oklahoma City mayor and Memorial Marathon race director.
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