This race benefits the memorial to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and that fact permeates every aspect of this race. However, that should not be taken to mean that the race is somber or grave (although parts of it definitely are). The message that the community sends with the marathon is that hope triumphs over evil and that the community will persevere. It is very emotional but also very uplifting.

The entire community comes out to support this race. This is the only marathon that I have been to that has permanent mile markers along the course. And OKC has some surprisingly funky residents that come out to cheer the runners on.

The course itself is friendly - not pancake flat, but not particularly challenging either. Just enough of an elevation change to keep it interesting. And there is some surprising scenery along the course (I had no idea that there was a lake in OKC, let alone a lighthouse). You get two shirts with this race - a commemorative shirt and a finisher's shirt. That's a nice touch. Finally, although I have heard that weather has been an issue with this race in some years, for me it was picture perfect. Sunny, dry and cool.

I have a goal to run a marathon in all 50 states, and marathons like this are the reason why. I probably never would have run this race if I didn't need to check Oklahoma off the list. And it wound up being an awesome experience. I am glad that I did it and really enjoyed OKC and its marathon.

MM#9644