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Marathon Details - Oklahoma Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > OK > Tulsa > Oklahoma Marathon

Oklahoma Marathon

Oklahoma Marathon & Half Marathon

Tulsa, OK USA

~~November 17, 2007~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.oklahomamarathon.org

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Double out and back along the Arkansas River -- flat

Contact Information

Name:	Bob Lehew
Address:	OKLAHOMA MARATHON tulsa P. O. Box 475 Ada, Oklahoma 74821
Phone Number:	(918) 407-9650
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (28)

Course 3.9

Organization 4.4

Spectators 2.8

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Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Dean Peterson from Appleton,WI (11/20/2006) "Great organization, and very flat." (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 These people truly care about runners. A small event with big heart and great volunteers. Money raised goes to a scholarship program. Double-loop, flat course.
M. H. from Tulsa, Oklahoma (6/1/2006) "Fun race on a familiar course" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Oklahoma Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race. Not for the double out and back course, but for the organization, the ability to encourage other runners (those ahead and those behind), and the neat stuff you get just for being a 'finisher'. I've heard that this race won't happen anymore, but who believes everything they hear? Either way, I was glad to be able to have run it. It's a great way to start Thanksgiving week. . . run a marathon and then pig out!
C. C. from Dallas (12/14/2005) "Nice couse, but is still missing something" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I entered the Oklahoma Marathon as I delayed getting into Chicago and missed the cutoff for entry... oops. Talk about going from one extreme to the other. The size of the race really did not matter to me, but (obviously) this is the smallest race of any distance that I have done. I also was not concerned about the location. Tulsa, I knew, was a nice place for a race and there would be enough to do before and after to make the journey worth the effort. I really enjoyed the course; it was very flat, scenic, and the double out-and-back format made for predictable pacing. The wind was a slight issue, but I have been in races where it was more of a problem. The running surface, with the exception of a few bridges, was nice (slightly off the concrete it was grassy when your legs needed a break) and the lack of car traffic was even better. Support tables were well stocked and prepared with the exception of the first table where the bolus of runners following the start appeared to catch them off-guard forcing me (and others) to wait for what I/we needed. The spectators were really not there unless you brought them, but that's what I would have expected with a race of this size. My frustration with the race comes with what I (and I assume others) would try to get out of it. The finisher's medal was something I really won't show off; the low-resolution computer-generated images looked cheap. The finisher's shirt is something I am looking forward to as it includes names of finishers, but I've yet to receive this in the mail, so I am cautious. I'm still laughing at the rubber chicken (an idea I'm told was organized by some runners independent of the race to help celebrate another participant's birthday). The organization of the race was tolerable. I would have preferred them to be there in the morning, ready to go, an hour before the start to give the late-night arrivals a chance to get the race pack without delay, but this is nit-picking. Since families would be the only support for most racers, providing some sort of race map (the thing on-line was lacking) with good watching sites would have been a nice addition. The course was set up so that family members could stop at several parking areas as they followed the runner, but you would not know this unless you were from the area. Also some mention could have been made of play areas, neat scenic stops along the water, and restrooms. This would have made it easier to coordinate with family members and would have made the watching experience better for the spectators. More clocks would have been great, especially at the turn point. Also, the mile markers were confusing, but that was due to the lay out of the course. There was plenty of water/PowerAde, oranges, bananas, etc. at the end. I am glad I did not sign up for the post-race party as there seem to have been issues with this. Those are my two cents. I am curious about the new course that folks are discussing for next year. Would I come back? Not sure, as there are other fish to fry.
c. g. from Marietta Georgia (11/27/2005) "great small marathon" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The pasta dinner was one of the best of any marathon and believe me most are horrible. For a small marathon, it was very well organized and I have run many. The course was nice and flat and after doing a 4-looper and a 3-looper, this 2-looper was a piece of cake. I thought the weather was perfect. The only place you get crowd support is at the big marathons, i.e. NY, Boston, Chicago. At the rest, the only spectators are friends and family of runners. The rubber chicken at the finish was a nice touch. My running friends back home really got a good laugh from it. I can't wait to see my T-shirt with my name and time printed on it. Too bad this is the last year for this race. I really enjoyed running it.
Robert Hensley from Oklahoma (11/25/2005) "Great experience for my first marathon." (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 My only complaint was the lack of spectators. The course is great, mostly because the river parks are where I first fell in love with running 13 years ago when I lived right on the trail. The organization was great and everyone was very helpful.
Emily Priddy from Tulsa, OK (11/23/2005) "First-timer." (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The River Parks trail is one of my favorite parts of Tulsa -- right up there with Red Fork, the Philtower, and that taqueria at 21st and Mingo that serves the to-die-for goat tacos -- so I thoroughly enjoyed the course. As a first-timer, I found it reassuring to run on a path I know like the back of my hand. And while I could see the lack of crowd support and the open course becoming a real drag for some runners, they actually helped me with my strategy, which was to treat this race as much like a training run as possible so I wouldn't waste precious energy getting overly excited or nervous. That said, I do find it more than a little annoying that the entire population of Tulsa seems to spend months peeing down its collective leg with excitement over the Tulsa Run -- which is a 15K, and not a particularly difficult one, either, if you ask me -- while completely ignoring the fact that three weeks later, 300 people go out and run nearly THREE TIMES that distance. Grrr. I don't know how many press releases the race directors sent out, where they sent them, or how persistent they were about requesting media coverage, but I imagine a good P.R. flack could be a big help in boosting public interest in the race. Might be worth looking into for next year, especially since a lot of P.R. firms in Tulsa do a certain amount of pro bono work for various charities and thus might be willing to help out for free. The lack of spectators did make it easy for my husband to get close enough to get a good picture of me crossing the finish line, which was more important to me than hearing "you go, girl" from a stranger. My family and friends couldn't be there at the finish line; I wanted that picture so I could share the moment with them later, and I'm glad Ron was able to get it. I have only two other complaints, both pretty minor: 1. The screen-printed design on the medal looked a little cluttered and very pixelized. 2. One of the water stations was unsupervised by the time I reached it, about five hours into the race. No big deal, but it's probably a good idea to keep somebody at each aid station just in case a runner needs more than a cup of water. Overall, I thought it was a good experience. I got to spend a gorgeous fall morning on a trail I love dearly. For my efforts, I got a medal, a rubber chicken (which confused me, but which I gleefully accepted anyway and have since named Juan in honor of the Mother Road's late purveyor of 'dead chicken' sandwiches), and the experience of completing a marathon. Not bad.
Donald Chung from Rockville, MD (11/22/2005) "A Most Wonderful Marathon" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run over 20 marathons, and this is the only one where I did not have to cross a single intersection or run on a street during the entire race. The course along the river is very, very flat. The scenery was nice and I had lots of room to run. The double out-and-back meant we got to see the other runners. I enjoy the pleasure of running and also being a spectator. I got to see the lead runners and locate my competitors several times. I finished at 4:44, and I went back out to meet a friend. When we finished at 5:55, there were a ton of pizza in the party tent; as well as oranges and sports drinks. There was also a beer truck. I have ran the Marine Corps Marathon, New York City, Big Sur and many other major marathon events, but I found this race to be every bit as fun and a lot less expensive. In fact this event got me thinking about running more smaller marathons. I think the best part of this marathon were the people who organized the race. They were friendly and caring and provided excellent support. My friends(one was celebrating his 75th birthday) and I had a ball at the Friday night banquet and a very good race on the trail. We had a fabulous time.
David Scofield from Tulsa, Ok (11/22/2005) "Great Small Race!" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I'm obviously biased about this race (being from Tulsa) but I think they put on a great race. Everything went smoothly for me. I like alternating sports drink and water at aid stations and somehow the volunteers always got the right one in my hand. There weren't many spectator's except for all the other runners cheering you on. The course was perfect for my wife as a spectator - she usually sits in one spot the whole race working on a quilt, but I actually saw her 4 times and in 2 different locations. The only problem is it's boring (but that might just be because I've trained on it 100 times) and it's windy every year (this year was no exception). Honest you guys, it's not always windy, just on race-day! I'm glad to hear the location is changing because of the wind problem. I did the worst ever in this race and I'm sure it was mostly my fault for not training enough, but it could have been the wind that wore me down too. One thing that really bothered me and my wife was that on the race application the donation was mandatory. I'm sure it was for a very good cause but my wife, who is normally very generous, was offended that we HAD to donate. If the benefiting organization needs a certain amount, add it to the cost of the race; otherwise make it strictly voluntary whether you give or not.
Danny Swindle from Newport, MI (11/22/2005) "Nice run along the river" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Pros: Nice path run along the river. Excellent weather. Organized, small race. I'm not sure what the meaning is behind the rubber chicken, but all finishers received one; nice humorous touch. Cons: Path open to non-marathoners (but they were not in the way). Really congested at first but thinned out as the crowd dispersed. Balloon release was nice but should be omitted to reduce balloon trash (in KS or MO based on the wind direction that day).
Russell Sears from Edmond, OK (11/21/2005) "Great for the Spectators" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon that I have won. My kids were too young to see or travel to the others, but they got to see Dad win this one. The out-and-back, out-and-back was ideal for the spectator. We parked across the street from the start. The volunteers where cheering, as were some other runners and spectators. But this definitely can only be a 4-star if you BYOS (bring your own spectators). The organization was great. This was made for the runners, by a runner. Not an ad for a sponsor. The focus was on the runners. They had markers for the kids to make me a poster. They had massages, and an after-race party. Awards were handed out at the finish. The small numbers made you comfortable phoning the director, for any of those unexpected problems. Though it is flat, it is not the fastest course due to its being riverside, which leaves it wide open to the wind. It is on a paved trail. The pavement was often too wavy or bumpy. The wooden bridges had some loose boards, giving my wobbly legs a chance to buckle on the 4th (last) lap. Likewise, with the steep but short ramp down the bridge after the turnaround. And the trail is open to everyone. Though I had a lead bike heading my way, many did not move. Others had dogs either running loose or on long scary leashes. Finally, the course just had too many marks, both 26 miles and 42 kilometers, but no split clocks, except at the start/middle/finish. With all those marks put on really only a 6-mile trail... it got confusing the more brain dead you became.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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Dean Peterson from Appleton,WI (11/20/2006) "Great organization, and very flat." (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 These people truly care about runners. A small event with big heart and great volunteers. Money raised goes to a scholarship program. Double-loop, flat course.
M. H. from Tulsa, Oklahoma (6/1/2006) "Fun race on a familiar course" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Oklahoma Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I enjoyed this race. Not for the double out and back course, but for the organization, the ability to encourage other runners (those ahead and those behind), and the neat stuff you get just for being a 'finisher'. I've heard that this race won't happen anymore, but who believes everything they hear? Either way, I was glad to be able to have run it. It's a great way to start Thanksgiving week. . . run a marathon and then pig out!
C. C. from Dallas (12/14/2005) "Nice couse, but is still missing something" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I entered the Oklahoma Marathon as I delayed getting into Chicago and missed the cutoff for entry... oops. Talk about going from one extreme to the other. The size of the race really did not matter to me, but (obviously) this is the smallest race of any distance that I have done. I also was not concerned about the location. Tulsa, I knew, was a nice place for a race and there would be enough to do before and after to make the journey worth the effort. I really enjoyed the course; it was very flat, scenic, and the double out-and-back format made for predictable pacing. The wind was a slight issue, but I have been in races where it was more of a problem. The running surface, with the exception of a few bridges, was nice (slightly off the concrete it was grassy when your legs needed a break) and the lack of car traffic was even better. Support tables were well stocked and prepared with the exception of the first table where the bolus of runners following the start appeared to catch them off-guard forcing me (and others) to wait for what I/we needed. The spectators were really not there unless you brought them, but that's what I would have expected with a race of this size. My frustration with the race comes with what I (and I assume others) would try to get out of it. The finisher's medal was something I really won't show off; the low-resolution computer-generated images looked cheap. The finisher's shirt is something I am looking forward to as it includes names of finishers, but I've yet to receive this in the mail, so I am cautious. I'm still laughing at the rubber chicken (an idea I'm told was organized by some runners independent of the race to help celebrate another participant's birthday). The organization of the race was tolerable. I would have preferred them to be there in the morning, ready to go, an hour before the start to give the late-night arrivals a chance to get the race pack without delay, but this is nit-picking. Since families would be the only support for most racers, providing some sort of race map (the thing on-line was lacking) with good watching sites would have been a nice addition. The course was set up so that family members could stop at several parking areas as they followed the runner, but you would not know this unless you were from the area. Also some mention could have been made of play areas, neat scenic stops along the water, and restrooms. This would have made it easier to coordinate with family members and would have made the watching experience better for the spectators. More clocks would have been great, especially at the turn point. Also, the mile markers were confusing, but that was due to the lay out of the course. There was plenty of water/PowerAde, oranges, bananas, etc. at the end. I am glad I did not sign up for the post-race party as there seem to have been issues with this. Those are my two cents. I am curious about the new course that folks are discussing for next year. Would I come back? Not sure, as there are other fish to fry.
c. g. from Marietta Georgia (11/27/2005) "great small marathon" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The pasta dinner was one of the best of any marathon and believe me most are horrible. For a small marathon, it was very well organized and I have run many. The course was nice and flat and after doing a 4-looper and a 3-looper, this 2-looper was a piece of cake. I thought the weather was perfect. The only place you get crowd support is at the big marathons, i.e. NY, Boston, Chicago. At the rest, the only spectators are friends and family of runners. The rubber chicken at the finish was a nice touch. My running friends back home really got a good laugh from it. I can't wait to see my T-shirt with my name and time printed on it. Too bad this is the last year for this race. I really enjoyed running it.
Robert Hensley from Oklahoma (11/25/2005) "Great experience for my first marathon." (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 My only complaint was the lack of spectators. The course is great, mostly because the river parks are where I first fell in love with running 13 years ago when I lived right on the trail. The organization was great and everyone was very helpful.
Emily Priddy from Tulsa, OK (11/23/2005) "First-timer." (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The River Parks trail is one of my favorite parts of Tulsa -- right up there with Red Fork, the Philtower, and that taqueria at 21st and Mingo that serves the to-die-for goat tacos -- so I thoroughly enjoyed the course. As a first-timer, I found it reassuring to run on a path I know like the back of my hand. And while I could see the lack of crowd support and the open course becoming a real drag for some runners, they actually helped me with my strategy, which was to treat this race as much like a training run as possible so I wouldn't waste precious energy getting overly excited or nervous. That said, I do find it more than a little annoying that the entire population of Tulsa seems to spend months peeing down its collective leg with excitement over the Tulsa Run -- which is a 15K, and not a particularly difficult one, either, if you ask me -- while completely ignoring the fact that three weeks later, 300 people go out and run nearly THREE TIMES that distance. Grrr. I don't know how many press releases the race directors sent out, where they sent them, or how persistent they were about requesting media coverage, but I imagine a good P.R. flack could be a big help in boosting public interest in the race. Might be worth looking into for next year, especially since a lot of P.R. firms in Tulsa do a certain amount of pro bono work for various charities and thus might be willing to help out for free. The lack of spectators did make it easy for my husband to get close enough to get a good picture of me crossing the finish line, which was more important to me than hearing "you go, girl" from a stranger. My family and friends couldn't be there at the finish line; I wanted that picture so I could share the moment with them later, and I'm glad Ron was able to get it. I have only two other complaints, both pretty minor: 1. The screen-printed design on the medal looked a little cluttered and very pixelized. 2. One of the water stations was unsupervised by the time I reached it, about five hours into the race. No big deal, but it's probably a good idea to keep somebody at each aid station just in case a runner needs more than a cup of water. Overall, I thought it was a good experience. I got to spend a gorgeous fall morning on a trail I love dearly. For my efforts, I got a medal, a rubber chicken (which confused me, but which I gleefully accepted anyway and have since named Juan in honor of the Mother Road's late purveyor of 'dead chicken' sandwiches), and the experience of completing a marathon. Not bad.
Donald Chung from Rockville, MD (11/22/2005) "A Most Wonderful Marathon" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run over 20 marathons, and this is the only one where I did not have to cross a single intersection or run on a street during the entire race. The course along the river is very, very flat. The scenery was nice and I had lots of room to run. The double out-and-back meant we got to see the other runners. I enjoy the pleasure of running and also being a spectator. I got to see the lead runners and locate my competitors several times. I finished at 4:44, and I went back out to meet a friend. When we finished at 5:55, there were a ton of pizza in the party tent; as well as oranges and sports drinks. There was also a beer truck. I have ran the Marine Corps Marathon, New York City, Big Sur and many other major marathon events, but I found this race to be every bit as fun and a lot less expensive. In fact this event got me thinking about running more smaller marathons. I think the best part of this marathon were the people who organized the race. They were friendly and caring and provided excellent support. My friends(one was celebrating his 75th birthday) and I had a ball at the Friday night banquet and a very good race on the trail. We had a fabulous time.
David Scofield from Tulsa, Ok (11/22/2005) "Great Small Race!" (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I'm obviously biased about this race (being from Tulsa) but I think they put on a great race. Everything went smoothly for me. I like alternating sports drink and water at aid stations and somehow the volunteers always got the right one in my hand. There weren't many spectator's except for all the other runners cheering you on. The course was perfect for my wife as a spectator - she usually sits in one spot the whole race working on a quilt, but I actually saw her 4 times and in 2 different locations. The only problem is it's boring (but that might just be because I've trained on it 100 times) and it's windy every year (this year was no exception). Honest you guys, it's not always windy, just on race-day! I'm glad to hear the location is changing because of the wind problem. I did the worst ever in this race and I'm sure it was mostly my fault for not training enough, but it could have been the wind that wore me down too. One thing that really bothered me and my wife was that on the race application the donation was mandatory. I'm sure it was for a very good cause but my wife, who is normally very generous, was offended that we HAD to donate. If the benefiting organization needs a certain amount, add it to the cost of the race; otherwise make it strictly voluntary whether you give or not.
Danny Swindle from Newport, MI (11/22/2005) "Nice run along the river" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Oklahoma Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Pros: Nice path run along the river. Excellent weather. Organized, small race. I'm not sure what the meaning is behind the rubber chicken, but all finishers received one; nice humorous touch. Cons: Path open to non-marathoners (but they were not in the way). Really congested at first but thinned out as the crowd dispersed. Balloon release was nice but should be omitted to reduce balloon trash (in KS or MO based on the wind direction that day).
Russell Sears from Edmond, OK (11/21/2005) "Great for the Spectators" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my third marathon that I have won. My kids were too young to see or travel to the others, but they got to see Dad win this one. The out-and-back, out-and-back was ideal for the spectator. We parked across the street from the start. The volunteers where cheering, as were some other runners and spectators. But this definitely can only be a 4-star if you BYOS (bring your own spectators). The organization was great. This was made for the runners, by a runner. Not an ad for a sponsor. The focus was on the runners. They had markers for the kids to make me a poster. They had massages, and an after-race party. Awards were handed out at the finish. The small numbers made you comfortable phoning the director, for any of those unexpected problems. Though it is flat, it is not the fastest course due to its being riverside, which leaves it wide open to the wind. It is on a paved trail. The pavement was often too wavy or bumpy. The wooden bridges had some loose boards, giving my wobbly legs a chance to buckle on the 4th (last) lap. Likewise, with the steep but short ramp down the bridge after the turnaround. And the trail is open to everyone. Though I had a lead bike heading my way, many did not move. Others had dogs either running loose or on long scary leashes. Finally, the course just had too many marks, both 26 miles and 42 kilometers, but no split clocks, except at the start/middle/finish. With all those marks put on really only a 6-mile trail... it got confusing the more brain dead you became.

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Marathon Details - Oklahoma Marathon