The memorial is the reason to run this race. To see it is moving does it an incredible justice. The only thing I can compare it to is the Vietnam memorial in DC.

Aside from the memorial, this is a nice local race, but not one that I would spend money on travel and hotels to run. The course is relatively flat with a few hills. You run through some nice tree-lined neighborhoods, strip malls and THE LAKE. The local tv station described the wind off the lake as 'a wall,' with gusts of up to 35mph. It was a windy, sunny day, with temps in the 70s. As a result, there were lots of severely dehydrated people. I took 3 bags of fluid in the medical tent. The few spectators were very supportive. In terms of organization, they ran out of pasta at the pre-race pasta party, leaving a significant number of people to wait in line for over half an hour before any additional food arrived. Then they quickly ran out of food again. This was also the case with the post race lunch.

I'm glad I ran it. Would I do it again? Someday, but not in the foreseeable future. And if I do, I'll do it to see the memorial again.

I decided to run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon partly due to the other comments I found here. I think this has been my favorite. The course is the flattest (and also very scenic) that I've run of 6 marathons (including St. Louis, the Flying Pig, Country Music Marathon), the organization was second to none, and the number of spectators only second to Cincinnati.

This was my first marathon and because I had such a great experience with this marathon, I will be running more in the future. Both the marathon and expo were organized very well. The fan support was awesome and the course was relatively flat. I didn't train on any hills, and I had no problem with this course. My only complaint was the strong headwind we encountered in the middle of the marathon.

The OK City National Memorial is an extremely spiritual place. I found the start and finish areas which are somewhat hectic at most marathons to be very calm, almost reverent at The Memorial. Race Staff and volunteers were very well informed, supportive, and friendly. Plenty of energetic support on the course, lots of water and PowerAde. The rolling terrain makes this course a challenge on a good day. When you add wind, heat and humidity to the mix, this race is a real mental and physical challenge. Here is what got me through: about the time that I was ready to break, I would look up at one of the banners (each banner had a different bombing victim's name on it, and there was a banner for each of the 168 bombing victims). It made my little struggle on the road seem very insignificant. Check your time goal at the city limits and enjoy a very moving experience?. Thanks OK City.

This was my first marathon, so I don't have much experience, but it was a great time and motivates me to do more marathons. I cramped up 4 blocks from the finish and another runner stopped to help me stretch out, which I thought was really great. The expo was great and the Memorial itself is very moving. The wind though was unbelievably tough so watch the forecasts next year.

This was my first marathon (I can type but not walk...)The first half was very good, the second half was unbelievable wind and hills, plus it warmed up a bit. Dont have much to compare to, but the people and organization were incredible - these people really care and it really shows! I'll go back again, hopefully better prepared!

This was my 13th marathon and, although challenging with the wind and hills, it is one that will be remembered. The OKC Memorial definitely sets the tone for this marathon and reminds the runners why they are there. This is a smaller race, that starts downtown, traverses some rough, broken pavement before going through some very nice neighborhoods and park areas. Lake Hefner is a beautiful area although there is no break from the wind during that part of the race. Course support from the volunteers is excellent. PortaPots are frequent and accessable (usually no line on the course). The crowds are small a widely spaced but cheer all of the runners even after their voices have become hoarse. I'd recommend this event to anyone who is ready for the challenge and open to a little self-discovery.

This is my first marathon and I couldn't be more happy about it! It had a very personal feel to it. Although the crowd wasn't huge, it was energetic. The aid stations were plentiful and well stocked. The course was relatively flat and as scenic as Oklahoma can be. For someone who wants a great first marathon experience, run this one. It's big enough to feel like you've been part of something special without loosing you in the crowd.

I live in OKC and decided to run this marathon about 6 months ago. Having this marathon here as done so much for the local fitness scene. I thought the race was very organized and the support was excellent. Water and powerade were very plentiful. The volunteers did an outstanding job. There were live bands, belly dancers and cheerleaders along the course. I received a very nice medal at the end and a finishers t-shirt. I later found out that the woman who presented me my medal was a bombing surviver or a family member who lost someone in the bombing. She asked me if I wanted a hug, and I said 'yes'. We both started crying. This was a very powerful and emotional experience. Overall, this was a great first time marathon. For those who come from out of state, there are hills on this course and it is always windy in OKC. Please join me next year.

Flat, few small hills, windy, windy, windy. Good Course. Robert (Bob) Bish made this marathon memorable for Mike Deardorf and I. I have run 14 marathons and I have never had anyone introduce themselves and offer to give a private tour of the course; a wonderful gentleman. We had just arrived in Oklahoma City; Mike and I walked down to the Memorial Friday evening when Bob stopped and introduced himself. After a brief orientation of the area Bob offered to pick us up Saturday morning and give us a tour of the course; what a nice and warm jesture. Really appreciate the friendliness of everyone; from Thomas Hill who I met on the course to the Foundation Director who greeted us at the finish line. area. Great experience.