Bonnie - Portland, OR
I visited OKC last year. When I went to the museum and the the monument it touched my heart in ways that I can not even describe. I truly understood how special of a city OKC is and how they banded together to come through this. I had been debating to jump from halfs to a full, but I wanted it to be something special. When listening to people talk about how special the event is, I decided this is it. i cant wait to come back and run.
Joe - Sand Springs, OK
I am running the half marathon to remember those lost in support of our country; both from the 4/19 bombing and the 14 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers lost in Afghanistan in 2011. I was deployed with them and lost 2 friends, Damon Leehan and Kirk Owens. This is my opportunity to carry on for them.
Emily - Moore, OK
I ran the 2008 Half Marathon as my first ever distance race 10 months after having a baby. My goal initally was to run a half marathon before my son turned 1, I ran it, I finished, I beat my time that was a seconday goal and when I crossed the finish line many pounds lighter then when I had begun my training the magnitude of this race really hit me as my finishers medal went around my neck. I run to remember all those who have been lost in the name of this great country, all those who are fighting to keep it great and I run to be inspired by this amazing city that truly comes together on race day to stand as one!! 2012 here I come!!
James - Oklahoma City, OK
I've ran in the okc memorial marathon three times. This time I will be representing C Co 1/179 INF. for our homecoming from Afghanistan. The 45th Infantry Brigade out of Oklahoma has done amazing things this past year and I will be honored to run and represent my unit. COLD STEEL!!
Patty - Austin, TX
run because I can. I may not win. I probably won't finish last. But I'll finish. This is why I run. I try to remember that running a marathon is a gift.
Kara - Luther, OK
I ran the Kids Marathon last year because I wanted to lose some weight amd get healthy a little. I Braved the Rain because I was determined to cross the finish line no matter what it took. The Trainiing wasn't easy but since I had my ipod, it was fun. I walked a mile everyday and put myself on a diet. I got healthy and lost a few pounds, I'm going to do it again this year just to celebrate Life and It's Fun to Run. But it feels good knowing I was getting healthy for a reason.
Phil - Andover, MN
This was my first half marathon. I was invited by a friend, Lee, that asked me to come down and run in it. Had a couple of good days before the run getting to know OKC. Enjoyed it immensely. I was really touched by the memories that linger through the museum and memorial. I was able to run the whole 13.1 miles in a better time than I'd anticipated, kick it a little at the end, and feel like I could run more. Thanks to Katrina who I met the last half of the run for being a friend and taking my mind off the rain and the pain. You're an angel! I'd love to come down and do it again. Thanks, OKC, for remembering those lost and their families in this way.
John - Midland, TX
This was my first OKC Memorial Marathon, and it won't be my last. Everyone involved in this event are simply amazing and wonderful. I really felt how much this race means to OKC and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel appreciated and welcome. I have told many people about this event, and how it's a "can't miss". The aid stations enthusiasm is second to none, and their smiles and encouragement made you really put the weather in the back of your mind. Bravo OKC! This is one very special event that everyone should participate in at least once.
Kathryn - Warr Acres, OK
I started running in junior high on the cross country team. I've been out of touch for many years until I got back into running about 4 years ago. I have worked myself from the ground up to ultimately be able to train for the half marathon, my first. I have been self trained, disciplined, determined, and driven to accomplish this goal I set for myself a year ago. It has given me self confidence during training and especially after completing the race. The race in itself was an experience! Not the weather I dream about, but that was just another hurdle I was willing to face on race day. I am so glad I was able to be a part of such a well respected and widely participated organization, The Memorial Marathon.
Lisa - Oklahoma City, OK
My first half marathon and accomplished in the rain – it was great and I cherished every moment of it! Let me just say I allowed myself to stress a lot before hand and convinced myself prior to the race that I was probably never going to make it. I really felt very overwhelmed and completely unsure of myself. However, Sunday morning when I woke up at 4am I was completely ready. I felt unconcerned with the chances of rain and cold. Once I hit that starting line my body just took over and I honestly can only remember about half of the run I accomplished. I do believe that God carried me through most of my run and when I hit that finish line I could not have been more proud of who I had become. Not only did I train for 12 weeks, I did something I would have never seen possible a year ago. I had many friends lift me up along the way when I would get down and doubt myself, and for that I can never be thankful enough. I am so grateful that I was able to stay strong through the end and I will do it again for as long as I am given the opportunity!
Jennifer - Spring Hill, KS
16 years ago I was a student at Oklahoma City University...This morning when my alarm clock went off at 4:00 a.m. I thought to myself why? Why do I get up to run my 5 miles in the cold, dark, windy morning. Why? And then I looked at the calendar and realized today is April 19th. In 1995 tragedy struck the city I lived in and loved and I will never forget. I will never forget the sound of the bomb blast or the sight of babies being pulled out of the rubble. I will never forget the fear I felt for friends that fit the description of a what a "terrorist" should look like. That one moment changed all of us in ways we could never imagine. I will not forget. And that's why in 12 days and 52min I will run 13.1 miles in Oklahoma City because I will never, ever forget. I run to remember and I will keep running every year so that the world will never forget what one act of domestic terrorism did to our world.
Chelsee - Oklahoma City, OK
This year, I was inspired to run the half-marathon by one of my patients. I am a physical therapist at a rehab hospital. One of my patients, Sydney, was just a regular 18-year old college student. She came down with the flu (H1N1) and next thing you know, she was in a coma. She fought for her life for months. When she came out of the coma, she was paralyzed. I worked with her day in and day out for about 6 weeks and I watched her fight for every millimeter of movement. Every day, she experiences more pain than I will ever know, but every day, she gets up and says, "I can do this." Because of Sydney, I was able to train for and run the 13.1 miles in the rain. My mantra every step of the way was, "I can do this." Sydney is truly an inspiration and that is why I run!
Megan - Wylie, TX
Two years ago, I weighed 251 pounds. . . I was unhealthy both mentally and physically. I made the decision to get healthy, start eating right, and start liking myself. I started running June 2010, and completed the Half-Marathon in 2:40:11 May 1, 2011 . . .and I ran the whole thing! I run in celebration of my lifestyle change, to remember where I came from, how I got healthy, and to be an inspiration and example for my family, both present and future.
Kim - Newcastle, OK
We -7 relay teams and several half-marathoners and marathoners, and cheerleaders- known collectivly as TEAM SEVE ran in memory of a loving father, husband, son ,brother, uncle,and friend Steve Gouldsmith. Steve's first and only marathon he ran was the 2008 OKC Memorial Marathon. Steve was taken from us in July of 2010, shortly after his death we chose to honor his memory by running the marathon he completed. Most of us are not avid runners, however, all finished the race. Steve also finished the race as, the shoes he ran in in 2008 were carried by various Team members and crossed the finish-line. We also run to remember those who died on April 19th, 1995. Way to go TEAM STEVE, those that ran did an great job.
Roman - Oklahoma City, OK
At the 2009 Memorial Marathon, I participated in the Kids Fun Run and witnessed the sacrifice and sense of community in all of the people downtown that day. The next year I participated in my first 5k, and the prayer and 168 seconds of silence gave me goose bumps and was awe inspiring. I could not believe how quiet it got when tens of thousands of people all stood in remembrance together. It still gives me chills today. This year, I ran in my first half-marathon, and though I was fortunate that I did not lose any friends or loved ones in the tragedy, it is important to me to join my community in honoring and remembering those we lost.
Jimmy - Brandon, MS
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and now reside in Mississippi. I chose this as my first 1/2 marathon and felt it fitting. I began running about 7 months ago and feel proud and honored to participate in such as tremendous event. I hope and pray to be a part of this event in the future and possibly finish full marathon next year. Thank you
Melody - Moore, OK
I originally signed up for the half marathon as a personal goal to achieve. I was not an avid runner, but wanted to accomplish something great. My sister-in-law lost her grandmother in the bombing, and the event seemed like a great time to achieve my goal and honor her grandmother and all the other victims. It didn't really hit me until 2011 race day when it was cold, windy and rainy that I really appreciated the magnitude of the event. Thousands came out in the bad weather to pay tribute to those that passed and everyone was eager for the gun to go off despite the weather. It really was an amazing feeling to be a part of something so great. This will now be an annual event for me, rain or shine!
Tara - Oklahoma City, OK
I am a native Oklahoman. I run to honor and to remember, for my fellow Oklahomans and to celebrate life and love. I will never forget.
Halie - Longdale, OK
I was inspired to begin running at a young age by my father who, when I was 10, began running 5 and 10k runs. My father ran the OKC Memorial Marathon two years ago. I remember feeling so proud as I waited and watched for my Dad to cross the finish line. I noticed him strugging a few blocks away. Something inside me told me to finish with him. It was an amazing bonding moment for my Dad and I. Since that moment of crossing the line with my Dad, and the moment that I first watched an event at OKC Memorial, I've been determined to train and run for this inspiring race. I run to remember my cousin who was a victim of the bombing, to make my father proud, and to prove to the world and myself that I can move for 13.1 miles.
Karen - Oklahoma City, OK
I ran the OKC Marathon last year as the conclusion to my New Year's resolution to complete a marathon. Being a 32 year-old who had never run before, I was prepared for how running would change me physically...but I was not prepared for how it would change me mentally. I picked the OKC Marathon because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I was not disappointed. Standing in the corral on race-day morning I was moved to tears by the glorious displays of love and fellowship all about me. The saying goes that, "THE PERSON WHO FINISHES THE RACE IS NOT THE SAME PERSON WHO STARTS THE RACE," and it is true for those who run OKC. If you want to make a change in your life, participate in this event. It will change you forever!
Gary - Moore, OK
I was in High School at the time of the bombing. I remember hearing the explosion and watching the event unfold. The bombing was one of the events in my life that guided me to become a Police Officer. I run to remember the victims from that day and for the Officers, Firemen, Service member, who gave their life for me.
Lucas - Oklahoma City, OK
This will be my first time to run in the Memorial Marathon. I run in honor of my aunt Mrs. Dot Hill who is a bombing survivor. I also run for those that lost their lives in the General Services Administrations office that day Mr. Steven Curry and Mr. Michael Loudenslager.
Mike - Moore, OK
know I will be running in honor of Alpha Company 179, led by 1st Lieutenant Damon Leehan.
Claudia - Yukon, OK
I started running 4 years ago. At that point in my life I was trying to get part of my life back after divorce. A group at work would run by the memorial site on our runs. Once it hit me that these people took part in such a loss and could not get their lives back, my loss became minimal. Running gives me the opportunity to do something I love & honor those who perished in the bombing.
Sherie - Excelsior Springs, MS
I ran last year in this race and it was memorable in so many ways. There is a no way to describe it until you are here before dawn and get ready for a race to remember!!! I am 45 and here again. Will run until I can't I figure 100. I have lost 150 lbs and found myself through running again. 2 more marathons this year after OKC. Thanks So sorry for the families who lost their loved ones.
Linda - Midway, UT
I lived in Oklahoma City at the time of the bombing and worked in a Physical therapy clinic. I volunteered at the Myriad doing physical and massage therapy with the Search and Rescue teams from all over the country. I have run the OKC Marathon many times while living in Oklahoma City and even though I can't run anymore I decided to walk the Half Marathon in support of the Memorial and my son Justin from Enid is going to run.
Erin - Oklahoma City, OK
I started out as a volunteer for this event 6 years ago for my company. I was so uplifted by the spirit and life of this event that I, along with my family, have run the 5k for the 5 years since. We have many reasons for running; to remember those lost on 4/19 and to come together as a family and do something active. This year though, we will be running for those reasons and one more - to honor my father, Gaylord Arnold, who passed away on December 7th, 2010. This one's for you Daddy!
Alex - Enid, OK
I grew up an hour away from OKC and was in elementary school when this horrible tragedy occurred. I remember hearing about it but not realizing the magnitude of what had really happened until seeing the pictures and names of all those who perished in the bombing. I ran in the Marathon relay last year in OKC and this year I am running the half marathon. I can not wait. I run in memory of my grandparents and my aunt, for all those who are unable to run, and of course- to honor the memory of all those lost in the bombing. The volunteers and runners involved in this marathon are truly inspiring and encouraging to all who participate. This event shows just how strong the spirit of Oklahomans is, and I am truly honored to call myself an Oklahoman.
Bonnie - Portland, OR
I visited OKC last year. When I went to the museum and the the monument it touched my heart in ways that I can not even describe. I truly understood how special of a city OKC is and how they banded together to come through this. I had been debating to jump from halfs to a full, but I wanted it to be something special. When listening to people talk about how special the event is, I decided this is it. i cant wait to come back and run.
Joe - Sand Springs, OK
I am running the half marathon to remember those lost in support of our country; both from the 4/19 bombing and the 14 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers lost in Afghanistan in 2011. I was deployed with them and lost 2 friends, Damon Leehan and Kirk Owens. This is my opportunity to carry on for them.
Emily - Moore, OK
I ran the 2008 Half Marathon as my first ever distance race 10 months after having a baby. My goal initally was to run a half marathon before my son turned 1, I ran it, I finished, I beat my time that was a seconday goal and when I crossed the finish line many pounds lighter then when I had begun my training the magnitude of this race really hit me as my finishers medal went around my neck. I run to remember all those who have been lost in the name of this great country, all those who are fighting to keep it great and I run to be inspired by this amazing city that truly comes together on race day to stand as one!! 2012 here I come!!
James - Oklahoma City, OK
I've ran in the okc memorial marathon three times. This time I will be representing C Co 1/179 INF. for our homecoming from Afghanistan. The 45th Infantry Brigade out of Oklahoma has done amazing things this past year and I will be honored to run and represent my unit. COLD STEEL!!
Patty - Austin, TX
run because I can. I may not win. I probably won't finish last. But I'll finish. This is why I run. I try to remember that running a marathon is a gift.
Kara - Luther, OK
I ran the Kids Marathon last year because I wanted to lose some weight amd get healthy a little. I Braved the Rain because I was determined to cross the finish line no matter what it took. The Trainiing wasn't easy but since I had my ipod, it was fun. I walked a mile everyday and put myself on a diet. I got healthy and lost a few pounds, I'm going to do it again this year just to celebrate Life and It's Fun to Run. But it feels good knowing I was getting healthy for a reason.
Phil - Andover, MN
This was my first half marathon. I was invited by a friend, Lee, that asked me to come down and run in it. Had a couple of good days before the run getting to know OKC. Enjoyed it immensely. I was really touched by the memories that linger through the museum and memorial. I was able to run the whole 13.1 miles in a better time than I'd anticipated, kick it a little at the end, and feel like I could run more. Thanks to Katrina who I met the last half of the run for being a friend and taking my mind off the rain and the pain. You're an angel! I'd love to come down and do it again. Thanks, OKC, for remembering those lost and their families in this way.
John - Midland, TX
This was my first OKC Memorial Marathon, and it won't be my last. Everyone involved in this event are simply amazing and wonderful. I really felt how much this race means to OKC and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel appreciated and welcome. I have told many people about this event, and how it's a "can't miss". The aid stations enthusiasm is second to none, and their smiles and encouragement made you really put the weather in the back of your mind. Bravo OKC! This is one very special event that everyone should participate in at least once.
Kathryn - Warr Acres, OK
I started running in junior high on the cross country team. I've been out of touch for many years until I got back into running about 4 years ago. I have worked myself from the ground up to ultimately be able to train for the half marathon, my first. I have been self trained, disciplined, determined, and driven to accomplish this goal I set for myself a year ago. It has given me self confidence during training and especially after completing the race. The race in itself was an experience! Not the weather I dream about, but that was just another hurdle I was willing to face on race day. I am so glad I was able to be a part of such a well respected and widely participated organization, The Memorial Marathon.
Lisa - Oklahoma City, OK
My first half marathon and accomplished in the rain – it was great and I cherished every moment of it! Let me just say I allowed myself to stress a lot before hand and convinced myself prior to the race that I was probably never going to make it. I really felt very overwhelmed and completely unsure of myself. However, Sunday morning when I woke up at 4am I was completely ready. I felt unconcerned with the chances of rain and cold. Once I hit that starting line my body just took over and I honestly can only remember about half of the run I accomplished. I do believe that God carried me through most of my run and when I hit that finish line I could not have been more proud of who I had become. Not only did I train for 12 weeks, I did something I would have never seen possible a year ago. I had many friends lift me up along the way when I would get down and doubt myself, and for that I can never be thankful enough. I am so grateful that I was able to stay strong through the end and I will do it again for as long as I am given the opportunity!
Jennifer - Spring Hill, KS
16 years ago I was a student at Oklahoma City University...This morning when my alarm clock went off at 4:00 a.m. I thought to myself why? Why do I get up to run my 5 miles in the cold, dark, windy morning. Why? And then I looked at the calendar and realized today is April 19th. In 1995 tragedy struck the city I lived in and loved and I will never forget. I will never forget the sound of the bomb blast or the sight of babies being pulled out of the rubble. I will never forget the fear I felt for friends that fit the description of a what a "terrorist" should look like. That one moment changed all of us in ways we could never imagine. I will not forget. And that's why in 12 days and 52min I will run 13.1 miles in Oklahoma City because I will never, ever forget. I run to remember and I will keep running every year so that the world will never forget what one act of domestic terrorism did to our world.
Chelsee - Oklahoma City, OK
This year, I was inspired to run the half-marathon by one of my patients. I am a physical therapist at a rehab hospital. One of my patients, Sydney, was just a regular 18-year old college student. She came down with the flu (H1N1) and next thing you know, she was in a coma. She fought for her life for months. When she came out of the coma, she was paralyzed. I worked with her day in and day out for about 6 weeks and I watched her fight for every millimeter of movement. Every day, she experiences more pain than I will ever know, but every day, she gets up and says, "I can do this." Because of Sydney, I was able to train for and run the 13.1 miles in the rain. My mantra every step of the way was, "I can do this." Sydney is truly an inspiration and that is why I run!
Megan - Wylie, TX
Two years ago, I weighed 251 pounds. . . I was unhealthy both mentally and physically. I made the decision to get healthy, start eating right, and start liking myself. I started running June 2010, and completed the Half-Marathon in 2:40:11 May 1, 2011 . . .and I ran the whole thing! I run in celebration of my lifestyle change, to remember where I came from, how I got healthy, and to be an inspiration and example for my family, both present and future.
Kim - Newcastle, OK
We -7 relay teams and several half-marathoners and marathoners, and cheerleaders- known collectivly as TEAM SEVE ran in memory of a loving father, husband, son ,brother, uncle,and friend Steve Gouldsmith. Steve's first and only marathon he ran was the 2008 OKC Memorial Marathon. Steve was taken from us in July of 2010, shortly after his death we chose to honor his memory by running the marathon he completed. Most of us are not avid runners, however, all finished the race. Steve also finished the race as, the shoes he ran in in 2008 were carried by various Team members and crossed the finish-line. We also run to remember those who died on April 19th, 1995. Way to go TEAM STEVE, those that ran did an great job.
Roman - Oklahoma City, OK
At the 2009 Memorial Marathon, I participated in the Kids Fun Run and witnessed the sacrifice and sense of community in all of the people downtown that day. The next year I participated in my first 5k, and the prayer and 168 seconds of silence gave me goose bumps and was awe inspiring. I could not believe how quiet it got when tens of thousands of people all stood in remembrance together. It still gives me chills today. This year, I ran in my first half-marathon, and though I was fortunate that I did not lose any friends or loved ones in the tragedy, it is important to me to join my community in honoring and remembering those we lost.
Jimmy - Brandon, MS
I was born and raised in Oklahoma and now reside in Mississippi. I chose this as my first 1/2 marathon and felt it fitting. I began running about 7 months ago and feel proud and honored to participate in such as tremendous event. I hope and pray to be a part of this event in the future and possibly finish full marathon next year. Thank you
Melody - Moore, OK
I originally signed up for the half marathon as a personal goal to achieve. I was not an avid runner, but wanted to accomplish something great. My sister-in-law lost her grandmother in the bombing, and the event seemed like a great time to achieve my goal and honor her grandmother and all the other victims. It didn't really hit me until 2011 race day when it was cold, windy and rainy that I really appreciated the magnitude of the event. Thousands came out in the bad weather to pay tribute to those that passed and everyone was eager for the gun to go off despite the weather. It really was an amazing feeling to be a part of something so great. This will now be an annual event for me, rain or shine!
Tara - Oklahoma City, OK
I am a native Oklahoman. I run to honor and to remember, for my fellow Oklahomans and to celebrate life and love. I will never forget.
Halie - Longdale, OK
I was inspired to begin running at a young age by my father who, when I was 10, began running 5 and 10k runs. My father ran the OKC Memorial Marathon two years ago. I remember feeling so proud as I waited and watched for my Dad to cross the finish line. I noticed him strugging a few blocks away. Something inside me told me to finish with him. It was an amazing bonding moment for my Dad and I. Since that moment of crossing the line with my Dad, and the moment that I first watched an event at OKC Memorial, I've been determined to train and run for this inspiring race. I run to remember my cousin who was a victim of the bombing, to make my father proud, and to prove to the world and myself that I can move for 13.1 miles.
Karen - Oklahoma City, OK
I ran the OKC Marathon last year as the conclusion to my New Year's resolution to complete a marathon. Being a 32 year-old who had never run before, I was prepared for how running would change me physically...but I was not prepared for how it would change me mentally. I picked the OKC Marathon because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I was not disappointed. Standing in the corral on race-day morning I was moved to tears by the glorious displays of love and fellowship all about me. The saying goes that, "THE PERSON WHO FINISHES THE RACE IS NOT THE SAME PERSON WHO STARTS THE RACE," and it is true for those who run OKC. If you want to make a change in your life, participate in this event. It will change you forever!
Gary - Moore, OK
I was in High School at the time of the bombing. I remember hearing the explosion and watching the event unfold. The bombing was one of the events in my life that guided me to become a Police Officer. I run to remember the victims from that day and for the Officers, Firemen, Service member, who gave their life for me.
Lucas - Oklahoma City, OK
This will be my first time to run in the Memorial Marathon. I run in honor of my aunt Mrs. Dot Hill who is a bombing survivor. I also run for those that lost their lives in the General Services Administrations office that day Mr. Steven Curry and Mr. Michael Loudenslager.
Mike - Moore, OK
know I will be running in honor of Alpha Company 179, led by 1st Lieutenant Damon Leehan.
Claudia - Yukon, OK
I started running 4 years ago. At that point in my life I was trying to get part of my life back after divorce. A group at work would run by the memorial site on our runs. Once it hit me that these people took part in such a loss and could not get their lives back, my loss became minimal. Running gives me the opportunity to do something I love & honor those who perished in the bombing.
Sherie - Excelsior Springs, MS
I ran last year in this race and it was memorable in so many ways. There is a no way to describe it until you are here before dawn and get ready for a race to remember!!! I am 45 and here again. Will run until I can't I figure 100. I have lost 150 lbs and found myself through running again. 2 more marathons this year after OKC. Thanks So sorry for the families who lost their loved ones.
Linda - Midway, UT
I lived in Oklahoma City at the time of the bombing and worked in a Physical therapy clinic. I volunteered at the Myriad doing physical and massage therapy with the Search and Rescue teams from all over the country. I have run the OKC Marathon many times while living in Oklahoma City and even though I can't run anymore I decided to walk the Half Marathon in support of the Memorial and my son Justin from Enid is going to run.
Erin - Oklahoma City, OK
I started out as a volunteer for this event 6 years ago for my company. I was so uplifted by the spirit and life of this event that I, along with my family, have run the 5k for the 5 years since. We have many reasons for running; to remember those lost on 4/19 and to come together as a family and do something active. This year though, we will be running for those reasons and one more - to honor my father, Gaylord Arnold, who passed away on December 7th, 2010. This one's for you Daddy!
Alex - Enid, OK
I grew up an hour away from OKC and was in elementary school when this horrible tragedy occurred. I remember hearing about it but not realizing the magnitude of what had really happened until seeing the pictures and names of all those who perished in the bombing. I ran in the Marathon relay last year in OKC and this year I am running the half marathon. I can not wait. I run in memory of my grandparents and my aunt, for all those who are unable to run, and of course- to honor the memory of all those lost in the bombing. The volunteers and runners involved in this marathon are truly inspiring and encouraging to all who participate. This event shows just how strong the spirit of Oklahomans is, and I am truly honored to call myself an Oklahoman.