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Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Race Date: 04/25/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Description
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon honors the victims, survivors, and first responders of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, starting at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum each late April. The course winds through downtown Oklahoma City past the Bricktown Canal, State Capitol, and Myriad Botanical Gardens, backed by thousands of spectators lining the streets. A half marathon, relay, 5K, and kids’ marathon round out the weekend. Equal parts tribute and celebration, it’s one of the most emotionally resonant marathons in the country.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Additional Details:
Water stations appear every single mile here, backed up by unofficial support from locals and community groups handing out extras along the route, so hydration is rarely more than a few minutes away. The final stretch carries real emotional weight: runners pass photos and names honoring the 168 lives lost in the 1995 bombing before crossing the finish, an experience many describe as rivaling the energy of finishing in New York’s Central Park. Finishers earn a hand-cast bronze medal, genuinely rare craftsmanship for a race medal, plus a second commemorative t-shirt. The Memorial grounds afterward host live music and local food, turning a solemn tribute into a shared celebration of resilience.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours (full), 4.5 hours (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 7,800
Marathon: 1,900
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 758 ft (231 m)
Elevation Loss: 778 ft (237 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 53°F
- High: 74°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Arts & Culture
Factory Obscura
Step into an immersive art experience at Factory Obscura, part gallery and part wonder-awakening collaborative — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Food & Drink
Bricktown Restaurants
Sample food and drink at one of Bricktown’s 45-plus restaurants and bars along the canal — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.
Museums & History
Science Museum Oklahoma
Explore 390,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits at Science Museum Oklahoma, one of the biggest science museums in the country — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Shopping
Bricktown Shops
Browse retail shops and galleries throughout Bricktown, OKC’s entertainment district — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
See more than 1,200 animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo, including the newest Expedition Africa giraffe viewing area — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Wander the koi-filled pond and blooming flower beds at Myriad Botanical Gardens, home to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Outdoors & Trails
Scissortail Park
Walk or jog the 70 acres of green space at Scissortail Park, downtown OKC’s flagship park with gardens and a summer concert stage — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Landmark
Bricktown Canal
Ride the water taxi along the mile-long Bricktown Canal, passing 45 bronze sculptures at the Centennial Land Run Monument — an easy, low-impact way to sightsee after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
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