A Run to Remember
As a tribute to the victims, family members and survivors of the bombing, Oklahoma City will host the 8th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 27th, 2008.
We run to give to the Memorial. We run to involve the community, the nation, and perhaps the world in the continuing process of coping with the tragedy of the past. We run as a step toward a better future.
The idea to organize a marathon as a memorial to the bombing victims and survivors and as a fundraiser for the Oklahoma City National Memorial came to us early one morning during a training run. Since then, each year has brought growth and challenge. We credit God with getting us this far, and we trust Him to take us on.
For the marathon to truly honor the memories of the lost and serve to inspire the living to greater accomplishment, no effort is spared in making this marathon the premiere running event in the nation. Whether this will be your first marathon, or one of many, whether you are a beginner or an elite athlete, this will be the best marathon you have ever experienced.
Oklahoma City IS a Marathon City. The marathon is a wonderful analogy of the character of our people, the history of our trials and difficulties, and the way in which we have overcome and persevered. The Memorial Marathon provides an appropriate way for us to honor the victims and survivors, while at the same time celebrating the miracle of life. It is our hope that you will join people from all over Oklahoma, this nation and even the world in giving this gift to the victims’ families, the survivors, the Memorial, and our community.
General Information
TIMING:
We are using the ChampionChip timing system to ensure accurate and fast results for your race. YOU MUST WEAR A CHIP ON YOUR ANKLE OR SHOE TO BE TIMED! Digital clocks will be located at each mile and at the 5K splits to indicate the unofficial running time. The digital clocks at the finish line display your unofficial time. OFFICIAL TIME IS DETERMINED BY THE CHAMPIONCHIP SYSTEM.
FLUID REPLACEMENT:
PowerAde and water will be provided at the Start Line and at 20 fluid stations (see course map). Be sure to vote online at www.okcmarathon.com for your favorite water stop when you finish the race!
GU Energy gel:
GU will be available for marathoners after mile 16. There will be other energy food at various stations along the last half of course.
Photography:
Candid Color is the official photographer. They will take photos on the course, at the finish line and group photos (you must make arrangements) along with the relay. Proofs will be available at www.okcmarathon.com and will also be mailed to you.
Media Partners information:
Oklahoma’s NewsChannel 4 KFOR will broadcast the marathon live on Sunday from 6:15 - 10:00 a.m.
Results:
Results will be available in Reunion Park at the southeast of the corner of 4th and Broadway. They will be on the Internet within hours after the finish at www.okcmarathon.com.
Awards:
A brief Award Ceremony for the Overall Open Full and Half Marathon Champions will be held at the Finish Line at 10:00 a.m. Please have your bib number with you as verification of your identity. Age group, relay, and clydesdale/filly awards will be shipped to you by FedEx.
Medical & Emergency Plan
Support:
Please complete the medical and emergency information on the back of your bib number with a ballpoint or other waterproof pen - this is very important. Medical Staff members will be ready to assist you at any time. Radio communications personnel will be positioned with medical personnel at intervals along the course. Volunteers at fluid stations are able to assist in finding the nearest radio communicator. Medical personnel will have Vaseline and administer first aid.
The Medical Staff and Marathon Officials have the right to withdraw any runner from the race who appears in distress or at risk. There will be a fully equipped Medical Facility at the Finish Line, staffed by a team of professionals until around 3:00 pm. If you have a health or medical problem at the Finish Line, you will be directed to the Medical Area. Please cooperate if you are asked to go for a checkup. Only runners requiring medical assistance will be permitted in the Medical Area. If you feel as if you need help at any point, please ask for it!