Back to Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Information & Reviews
Mari Jo Hecker from Keller, TX
(5/1/2007)
"Spiritual and Inspirational!!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I felt the spirits of the victims of the OKC bombing with me throughout the race. This race is very well organized and its purpose is very apparent, which is to remember the victims and their families. Also, that life is a gift and as runners we are blessed to express ourselves with our physical abilities. | |
J. W. from Fort Smith, AR
(5/1/2007)
"GREAT RACE for the right reasons.....except time!" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a marathon you run for the experience. It was well organized for the most part(the start was crowded with all the races starting at the same time and place)and the volunteers and crowd were helpful and friendly. The sunrise prayer service and the 168 seconds of silence before the start were moving experiences. The 168 banners throughout the course with the names and information about the victims were reminders of the life lost. Combined, you realize that this is a marathon for life and celebration of the goodness of individuals, the community and nation joining together in times of adversity. As long as you don't get fixated on running a PR, you should enjoy the race. The course is enjoyable with scenic terrain through downtown OKC, area neighborhoods and Lake Hefner. My only warning to others is the difficulty of the course is understated. I have run two other marathons and this was the most difficult race that I have encountered. The temperatures were in the 70's-80's by early morning which makes it difficult to stay hydrated. Around 13.5 miles you enter Lake Hefner trail. The breeze off the lake was a welcome reprieve from the heat but it created a headwind for almost 3 miles. After leaving the lake, there was a downhill mile and a precursor to the 4 mile climb from mile 20-24 into a stronger headwind. I was attempting to qualify for Boston and was on pace through 23 miles, but the hill got the best of me. Despite the fact that I did not achieve my goal, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I will be back...to run for the experience and fun! Additionally, I have traveled to Oklahoma City for 20+ years and the downtown redevelopment is incredible! The shops, restaurants and entertainment offer something for both families and singles. The Bricktown redevelopment is a model for all communities to follow. I am not sure if the development is a result of the activity following the 1995 bombing; nevertheless, Oklahoma City has become a destination worth visiting and a memory worth experiencing! | |
R. T. from Independence, MO
(5/1/2007)
"A must-do marathon" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did this marathon in '06 and loved it so much that I came back in '07 and PR'd. I was a little concerned about how they would handle the rapid growth from previous years, but they came through with flying colors! Plenty of water/PowerAde on a hot day, and tons of course support. The people of Oklahoma City are very gracious hosts, and the whole focus on the memorial makes the whole experience much more than just running a marathon. | |
Marie Bartoletti from Pittsburgh, PA
(5/1/2007)
"This is a great "run to remember"!" (about: 2007)
50+ previous marathons
| 3 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great marathon. The expo is really good, and so is the pasta dinner and the fun "run with the stars" the day before the marathon. The marathon is just wonderful because of what it stands for and the course is a real nice one as well. I really like the seonds of silence for each victim in the bombing. The spectators are very friendly and everything is put together well! | |
A. R. from USA
(5/1/2007)
"Great" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a very moving experience. This was my fourth marathon event; however I ran the half this year. The atmosphere and volunteers were super. A couple of comments: 1. Having the 5K and walkers start at the same time was very difficult for those running the marathon and half marathon... particularly those trying for a good time. It took a couple of miles for the crowd to thin out. 2. I would suggest more visible mile markers along the route to allow the runners to know exactly where they were in regard to mileage. 3. Finally, go with the chip time rather than the gun time, especially with the large number of people trying to get started at one time. Overall, it was a tremendous race - beautiful, friendly, and one I WILL be back for next year. | |
S. C. from Dallas, TX
(5/1/2007)
"Race Overview" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I think this race is great! The 6:30 a.m. start is nice too. I thought it would be a little too dark then, but it wasn't. The memorial and church right by the starting line are also great, understanding what took place. Regarding the course, it is pretty straightforward up to about mile 20 or so. Then there is a gentle but steady climb for about 3-4 miles from 21 on. Don't underestimate this! You are already tired or have hit the wall, and then you have this to contend with, which is not an easy thing to do | |
C. K. from Edmond, OK
(4/30/2007)
"The Memorial Marathon continues to be top-notch." (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my second marathon and my 2nd time to compete at the Memorial Marathon (1st time was in the half). The organization continues to be top-notch, and the pre-race program was very moving and helped remind everyone why we were there. The water stops were all excellent and the volunteers were very supportive and knowledgeable as to how to run a water stop. The only negative I can think of is the pre-race corralling of the runners. With the growth of the event, it was very difficult to get lined up where I needed to be; but that was very minor and everyone was courteous and patient with the crowded conditions. Again, excellent marathon, and this is one marathon I will continue to do every year. | |
J. W. from Dallas
(4/30/2007)
"A Run to Remember" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Once again I completely enjoyed everything about the race. The race is not about the runner, but rather honoring the memory of the 168 people who died in the Federal Building. The people of OKC come out in droves and support the race. Not a lot of bands; instead hometown people cheering you as you honor the memory of their loved ones. If you run this marathon, be sure to sign up at the expo and run in honor of someone who died in the bombing... it sure help you keep focused as to why you are there. The aid stations are great! A little hilly course, but it is manageable; and great cheeseburgers at the finish!!! A must-do marathon! | |
William Tichenor from Dallas, TX
(4/30/2007)
"Surprisingly well run!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I wimped out and ran the 1/2, but I was very pleased with the whole experience. Volunteers were outstanding! Very welcoming and helpful! I would recommend this. | |
K. C. from Midwest City, OK
(4/30/2007)
"I hope every marathon I run equals this one!" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having been from this area my entire life, the memories from that fateful day still ring true. Respecting those who passed was reason enough for me to make this my first marathon. I can't say enough for how well run this event truly is. More than enough water stops, crowd support, and volunteers (thanks guys!). Course was not as hilly as some people have made it out to be (maybe 3-4 ACTUAL hills). Excellent traffic control as well. Great finish. Medals and shirts are awesome! Could have used a few more clouds to block the sun, but the ample number of mist machines and volunteer water sprayers made Mother Nature seem non-existent. All in all, finished with a 3:34. Will definitely make this one a tradition. |
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