Course Map
About this Race
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is one of the most emotionally resonant races in America, run in memory of those lost in the 1995 bombing and known as the Run to Remember, beginning with 168 seconds of silence. The rolling course winds through the city and around Lake Hefner on terrain that undulates enough to require respect. Held in April, it draws a deeply moved field to a race defined by remembrance and community far more than fast times. The hills and spring conditions call for measured pacing. It suits runners drawn to meaning and tribute, who value the powerful atmosphere over a personal best.
Course Insight
Oklahoma City carries weight beyond the running: held in memory of the 1995 bombing, it opens with 168 seconds of silence and threads ground heavy with meaning. The course itself rolls, and the real physical adversary is the wind, which can howl across the exposed stretches near Lake Hefner. Pace for the gusts rather than a still-air split, and save effort for the back half. Late-April warmth is an added variable. Respect the wind and the emotional gravity, and the day becomes one you carry with you.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 204m
- Elevation loss
- 206m
- Highest point
- 387m
- Lowest point
- 343m
- Net elevation
- -2m
- Start
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Cutoff time
- 6h 30m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:22:54 — Conor Holt (Ireland), 2004
- Women's
- 2:41:07 — McKale Montgomery (USA), 2022
Race History
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was first held in 2001 to honor those lost in the 1995 bombing, beginning each year with 168 seconds of silence. Known as the Run to Remember, its rolling course around Lake Hefner is defined by remembrance and community rather than fast times. From its founding it grew into one of the most emotionally resonant races in America. Held each April, it draws a deeply moved field to the city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Will Rogers World Oklahoma City (OKC)
- Best area to stay
- Bricktown downtown for proximity to the start/finish and lively stays, Midtown for characterful options, and the Memorial area for proximity to the route.
- Getting to the start
- The start is downtown by the Memorial; walk from downtown or Bricktown hotels, as it's a compact central course.