Oklahoma Marathon - Race Reviews

These people truly care about runners. A small event with big heart and great volunteers. Money raised goes to a scholarship program. Double-loop, flat course.

I enjoyed this race. Not for the double out and back course, but for the organization, the ability to encourage other runners (those ahead and those behind), and the neat stuff you get just for being a 'finisher'. I've heard that this race won't happen anymore, but who believes everything they hear? Either way, I was glad to be able to have run it. It's a great way to start Thanksgiving week. . . run a marathon and then pig out!

I entered the Oklahoma Marathon as I delayed getting into Chicago and missed the cutoff for entry... oops. Talk about going from one extreme to the other. The size of the race really did not matter to me, but (obviously) this is the smallest race of any distance that I have done. I also was not concerned about the location. Tulsa, I knew, was a nice place for a race and there would be enough to do before and after to make the journey worth the effort. I really enjoyed the course; it was very flat, scenic, and the double out-and-back format made for predictable pacing. The wind was a slight issue, but I have been in races where it was more of a problem. The running surface, with the exception of a few bridges, was nice (slightly off the concrete it was grassy when your legs needed a break) and the lack of car traffic was even better. Support tables were well stocked and prepared with the exception of the first table where the bolus of runners following the start appeared to catch them off-guard forcing me (and others) to wait for what I/we needed. The spectators were really not there unless you brought them, but that's what I would have expected with a race of this size. My frustration with the race comes with what I (and I assume others) would try to get out of it. The finisher's medal was something I really won't show off; the low-resolution computer-generated images looked cheap. The finisher's shirt is something I am looking forward to as it includes names of finishers, but I've yet to receive this in the mail, so I am cautious. I'm still laughing at the rubber chicken (an idea I'm told was organized by some runners independent of the race to help celebrate another participant's birthday). The organization of the race was tolerable. I would have preferred them to be there in the morning, ready to go, an hour before the start to give the late-night arrivals a chance to get the race pack without delay, but this is nit-picking. Since families would be the only support for most racers, providing some sort of race map (the thing on-line was lacking) with good watching sites would have been a nice addition. The course was set up so that family members could stop at several parking areas as they followed the runner, but you would not know this unless you were from the area. Also some mention could have been made of play areas, neat scenic stops along the water, and restrooms. This would have made it easier to coordinate with family members and would have made the watching experience better for the spectators. More clocks would have been great, especially at the turn point. Also, the mile markers were confusing, but that was due to the lay out of the course. There was plenty of water/PowerAde, oranges, bananas, etc. at the end. I am glad I did not sign up for the post-race party as there seem to have been issues with this. Those are my two cents. I am curious about the new course that folks are discussing for next year. Would I come back? Not sure, as there are other fish to fry.

The pasta dinner was one of the best of any marathon and believe me most are horrible. For a small marathon, it was very well organized and I have run many. The course was nice and flat and after doing a 4-looper and a 3-looper, this 2-looper was a piece of cake. I thought the weather was perfect. The only place you get crowd support is at the big marathons, i.e. NY, Boston, Chicago. At the rest, the only spectators are friends and family of runners. The rubber chicken at the finish was a nice touch. My running friends back home really got a good laugh from it. I can't wait to see my T-shirt with my name and time printed on it. Too bad this is the last year for this race. I really enjoyed running it.

My only complaint was the lack of spectators. The course is great, mostly because the river parks are where I first fell in love with running 13 years ago when I lived right on the trail. The organization was great and everyone was very helpful.

The River Parks trail is one of my favorite parts of Tulsa -- right up there with Red Fork, the Philtower, and that taqueria at 21st and Mingo that serves the to-die-for goat tacos -- so I thoroughly enjoyed the course. As a first-timer, I found it reassuring to run on a path I know like the back of my hand. And while I could see the lack of crowd support and the open course becoming a real drag for some runners, they actually helped me with my strategy, which was to treat this race as much like a training run as possible so I wouldn't waste precious energy getting overly excited or nervous. That said, I do find it more than a little annoying that the entire population of Tulsa seems to spend months peeing down its collective leg with excitement over the Tulsa Run -- which is a 15K, and not a particularly difficult one, either, if you ask me -- while completely ignoring the fact that three weeks later, 300 people go out and run nearly THREE TIMES that distance. Grrr. I don't know how many press releases the race directors sent out, where they sent them, or how persistent they were about requesting media coverage, but I imagine a good P.R. flack could be a big help in boosting public interest in the race. Might be worth looking into for next year, especially since a lot of P.R. firms in Tulsa do a certain amount of pro bono work for various charities and thus might be willing to help out for free. The lack of spectators *did* make it easy for my husband to get close enough to get a good picture of me crossing the finish line, which was more important to me than hearing "you go, girl" from a stranger. My family and friends couldn't be there at the finish line; I wanted that picture so I could share the moment with them later, and I'm glad Ron was able to get it. I have only two other complaints, both pretty minor: 1. The screen-printed design on the medal looked a little cluttered and very pixelized. 2. One of the water stations was unsupervised by the time I reached it, about five hours into the race. No big deal, but it's probably a good idea to keep somebody at each aid station just in case a runner needs more than a cup of water. Overall, I thought it was a good experience. I got to spend a gorgeous fall morning on a trail I love dearly. For my efforts, I got a medal, a rubber chicken (which confused me, but which I gleefully accepted anyway and have since named Juan in honor of the Mother Road's late purveyor of 'dead chicken' sandwiches), and the experience of completing a marathon. Not bad.

I have run over 20 marathons, and this is the only one where I did not have to cross a single intersection or run on a street during the entire race. The course along the river is very, very flat. The scenery was nice and I had lots of room to run. The double out-and-back meant we got to see the other runners. I enjoy the pleasure of running and also being a spectator. I got to see the lead runners and locate my competitors several times. I finished at 4:44, and I went back out to meet a friend. When we finished at 5:55, there were a ton of pizza in the party tent; as well as oranges and sports drinks. There was also a beer truck. I have ran the Marine Corps Marathon, New York City, Big Sur and many other major marathon events, but I found this race to be every bit as fun and a lot less expensive. In fact this event got me thinking about running more smaller marathons. I think the best part of this marathon were the people who organized the race. They were friendly and caring and provided excellent support. My friends(one was celebrating his 75th birthday) and I had a ball at the Friday night banquet and a very good race on the trail. We had a fabulous time.

I'm obviously biased about this race (being from Tulsa) but I think they put on a great race. Everything went smoothly for me. I like alternating sports drink and water at aid stations and somehow the volunteers always got the right one in my hand. There weren't many spectator's except for all the other runners cheering you on. The course was perfect for my wife as a spectator - she usually sits in one spot the whole race working on a quilt, but I actually saw her 4 times and in 2 different locations. The only problem is it's boring (but that might just be because I've trained on it 100 times) and it's windy every year (this year was no exception). Honest you guys, it's not always windy, just on race-day! I'm glad to hear the location is changing because of the wind problem. I did the worst ever in this race and I'm sure it was mostly my fault for not training enough, but it could have been the wind that wore me down too. One thing that really bothered me and my wife was that on the race application the donation was mandatory. I'm sure it was for a very good cause but my wife, who is normally very generous, was offended that we HAD to donate. If the benefiting organization needs a certain amount, add it to the cost of the race; otherwise make it strictly voluntary whether you give or not.

Pros: Nice path run along the river. Excellent weather. Organized, small race. I'm not sure what the meaning is behind the rubber chicken, but all finishers received one; nice humorous touch. Cons: Path open to non-marathoners (but they were not in the way). Really congested at first but thinned out as the crowd dispersed. Balloon release was nice but should be omitted to reduce balloon trash (in KS or MO based on the wind direction that day).

This was my third marathon that I have won. My kids were too young to see or travel to the others, but they got to see Dad win this one. The out-and-back, out-and-back was ideal for the spectator. We parked across the street from the start. The volunteers where cheering, as were some other runners and spectators. But this definitely can only be a 4-star if you BYOS (bring your own spectators). The organization was great. This was made for the runners, by a runner. Not an ad for a sponsor. The focus was on the runners. They had markers for the kids to make me a poster. They had massages, and an after-race party. Awards were handed out at the finish. The small numbers made you comfortable phoning the director, for any of those unexpected problems. Though it is flat, it is not the fastest course due to its being riverside, which leaves it wide open to the wind. It is on a paved trail. The pavement was often too wavy or bumpy. The wooden bridges had some loose boards, giving my wobbly legs a chance to buckle on the 4th (last) lap. Likewise, with the steep but short ramp down the bridge after the turnaround. And the trail is open to everyone. Though I had a lead bike heading my way, many did not move. Others had dogs either running loose or on long scary leashes. Finally, the course just had too many marks, both 26 miles and 42 kilometers, but no split clocks, except at the start/middle/finish. With all those marks put on really only a 6-mile trail... it got confusing the more brain dead you became.

The best thing about the course, aside from it's being flat and so scenic running with the river, was the fact that I got to pass all the other runners so many times! I tried to cheer them all on each time I saw them. Course, by the third time, my cheers were a bit sloppy and I had stopped clapping mostly, but I still had time to give most a 'good run,' or something. Aside from a few folks at the aid stations with words of encouragement, there were no spectators at all to cheer us on. I also really enjoyed the pre-race dinner. The speaker was exceptional. Not a single one of his wonderful stories crossed my mind during the race, though! I think the biggest disappointment was the post-race party. I fully expected there to be one, since I paid extra for it. However, when I finished, there was no party; very few people were hanging around the tent, and I got one piece of pizza for my money. One. And as I understand it, a number of people didn't get any at all. So, I guess I was lucky! Also, the course was supposed to be open for 8 hours. I finished in under 7. So, you would think that the aid stations would still be open and staffed well into the seventh hour. But, they were abandoned prior to the seventh hour, and out of Gatorade on my 3rd pass. All in all, I had a great time. I was more interested in my time for the half (which they didn't offer, but I understand they will next year), and I did set a PR. It is a great charity that they support, and well worth the effort.

The race was just okay at best. I have run several small marathons this year and the quality differences are dramatic. I have also started attending the pre-race meals. Thank goodness, that was the best part of this race. The course doesn't matter as they have decided to make this a big event next year, complete with a great new course from little I know of the area. Jenks has a great looking downtown! Okay, the rest stops were abandoned hours before the course closed.... They stayed at the finish line and announced each one of the finisher's names for eight hours, but the last hour and a half they had been out there all alone. There was zero crowd, so without a rest stop crew you were doing a training run. I ran back down the course after the race and came back to empty (not just abandoned) rest stops. Bad choice on my part & but they were still announcing names of finishers! They lucked into great weather.... A touch more wind than I'd like, and from the wrong direction! Again, new course next year, so not an issue. Not sure that this team can handle a larger format race; they did not do that well with a 300-person event on a "closed" course. I mean their best accomplishment was a catered meal.... Thank goodness that the host hotel had a good food service department. Can they handle having a half and relay as well as a full marathon? Time will tell. Would I run this race again? Sure! I am looking forward to the new course. This race was expensive for what you got, but the cause was good and people were nice.... But nice doesn't make for a good race, I have learned. Many race directors are great people, but lousy race directors. Oh, the worst part may have been the post-race party. You had the option to add pizza to your finish for $5. You had to have good timing to make that work for you. A caterer would have helped here as well. There were only small windows of opportunity to luck into getting that pizza from what I saw. I am still not sure what the dead rubber chicken giveaway was all about.... It was not part of the race, but an outsider. I am sure that there was some alcohol invloved in that idea... but it did make the event very unique. All and all, a very-average-at-best event, but a nice time of year, a nice location, and I am looking forward to 2006! Well maybe 2007 or 2008 when they work out some of the kinks of a new course and a new format.

We had a perfect day weather-wise. The course is little boring with a double out-and-back on a park trail. This race is a fundraiser for a good cause and had quite a few first-timers as well as the veterans. Lots of '50-staters' who are great at supporting each other and everyone else in the race. Met a lot of great people who I hope to see again as I work my way through the rest of the states.

Fantastic organization and tradition for a marathon that has only been around for 7 or 8 years. I was concerned about the double out-and-back but it was great. The wind was a bit strong on the 'back legs' but besides that it was a great course and great people. I would definitely recommend it!

This marathon was very small and seemed pretty organized. However, there was absolutely no crowd support. The double out-and-back course was very lonely; it would qualify as a long training run alone. The race staff were not rude, but they weren't overly friendly either. The weather conditions were pretty good, but I couldn't get past the fact that there were no spectators cheering. The entrants in the race weren't friendly either; everyone I cheered on just looked at me as if I were crazy. Now, if you bring along your own fan club there will be many chances for them to see you. There were only 6 porto-johns at the race start; not good. I'm so disappointed in the lack of crowd support; I would not run this race again.

This is my third marathon. It is a small marathon with 300 max runners allowed. The course is a double out-and-back along a paved trail that goes along the Arkansas River. You never have to go onto a road. The weather was perfect; 49 degrees and little wind at the start. The people who organize the race are very friendly and helpful. A great course for friends and family to watch at many spots. The one thing to watch is that the trail is not closed to the public so there are non-racers on the course running, but the good thing is they are very polite and supportive and are some of the biggest cheerers. This year we will be getting shirts in the mail and they will have the names of all the finishers on the back. Neat, unique idea. Very much enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking for a flat, fast small-town marathon.

I really enjoyed the marathon. They made you feel welcome from the pre-race check-in to the finish line. You get your name called out at the halfway point and the finish. You get your name on the race shirt. Nice personal touches. The pasta dinner was one of the best I've attended. The staff goes out of their way to help, constantly asking what they can do. And, they mean it. We saw all of them many times during the race. I was apprehensive because of the double out-and-back course. However, it is scenic and it did not feel repetitive. If you are looking for a flat course, this certainly qualifies. I gave it four stars only because it was not point-to-point. Not many fans out there, but the ones who were added a great deal of support. If you have your own spectators, it is very easy for them to see you countless times during the race.

I ran this marathon yesterday, and I now know the meaning of the line from 'Oklahoma' that goes 'where the wind comes sweeping 'cross the plain...' This was my 4th marathon -- I've run/walked (OK, I'm slow -- painfully slow -- BUT I FINISH) Marine Corp, Baltimore, and NY -- and this was by far and away the best of the lot. In no way is this a marquee marathon. The course is not the most exciting (although it is remarkably flat). For the most part, the only spectators on the course are other people using the trail (who are very friendly). And it was WINDY -- not breezy; more like blow-you-off-the-trail windy. However, the good points of this marathon more than make up for any alleged deficiencies. This marathon is extremely well-thought-out, well-organized, and well-implemented. I loved every part of this race and the events associated with it -- I loved having dinner the night before and hearing 'the Penguin' speak; I loved wearing a t-shirt that said I represented my state; I loved the balloon release at the start; I loved meeting people from all over the country, people much faster than I who cheered for me as I trudged on and as I finished; I loved the volunteers who had plenty of water, Gatorade and FOOD for slow-pokes like me; and most of all I loved the race organizers who were relentlessly supportive of everyone in the race. I recommend to the Chamber of Commerce in Tulsa that they support this event, if they don't already do so. I probably never would have visited Tulsa if I hadn't run this race. Now I know that Tulsa is a lovely city and its residents are warm and friendly people who can put on a great race.

I really recommend this marathon to anyone who wants to run a great well organized small marathon. And by far this was my best marathon at the finish line even though I didn't feel the best, the nice lady at the finish line really was great, she gave everyone who went thru the finish line a nice hug along with your finishing metal. The coarse I think would have been better if you didn't have to go over the same ground, other than that I would really recommend this marathon.

Wow! What a great small race. My previous PR was from Chicago (which is notoriously fast) and I thought I might need the crowd to help me push the pace for the entire distance but the flat course and meeting oncoming runners for most of the race made up for the small field and sparse (but encouraging) spectators! Everything was organized well and went off without a hitch. I would guess that the wind could be a factor on this course but this year it was an absolutely perfect day.

This is a good small event (300 max in 2002) and the folks putting it on did a nice job. However, reading these other comments, one might gather that this is some real wing-ding of an affair. I think all the high marks are a little out of whack if you're thinking relative to other events. So, in the interest of portraying a more accurate representation, keep the following in mind. <p> It IS a super-flat race along an urban trail that follows the Arkansas River in Tulsa. However, it's a double out-and-back so it starts getting pretty old if you're into novel scenery while you run. The crowd that's out there is really nice, so I don't want to sound ungrateful, but there's probably less than 100 spectators--total. So, if you see these ratings of 4's and 5's and come expecting lots of cheering, forget it. You will see lots of people using the trail, most of whom are oblivious that you're out there running a marathon. <p> Bottom line, don't do this race if you want lots of fan support or a really pretty course. If you must bag one in Oklahoma, try the April offering of the OKC Memorial Marathon. If you want a flat, fast course, albeit a redundant one, and you can keep chuggin' without fan support, this race is during the perfect time of year for Oklahoma's weather...so come on out!

Extremely well organized marathon. Course is very runner friendly. Race directors and spectors are helpful, gracious and go way out of the way to make your race a success. Post race party at the race directors house is a big plus. Met several other fifty staters at this marathon, seemed like a home coming party. Absolutely great race and would highly recommend.

Just had a wonderful time at this race. The little over 300 runners meant there always somebody close without the trail being too clogged. Even though it was a double loop the variety on the trail kept it interesting. The double loop also made very easy for my 'support team' (read wife) to see me and encourage me often. And lastly, how many race directors throw their house open after the race for chili, crackers and bars? Thanks to Bob, his wife, and all the volunteers.

Wow, was everyone so friendly! They even thanked me for coming so far to run... The spectators were friendly too. But what I liked most was how the runners ALL encouraged each other. Part of the charm of this double out-and-back was that you went by the same people a few times during the morning... people helped each other make it. I'll do this race again.

What a great race. Everyone in Tulsa was so wonderful. The course was 2 loops around the Riverbend park. It was beautiful. The director, his wife and all of the volunteers were very friendly. The course was friendly to spectators. My family was able to find me where ever I was. Thanks for a great run!!! My best yet. Staci Aulick Huntington, West Virginia

This is a marathon of about 215 people. I highly recommend that you visit the website and read all the 'Letters of Thanks' to get the full flavor of just what a great race that this is. There is a great turnout of the 50 State Club and 100 Marathon Club members. It is a privilege to run with people of this caliber, but in the same sense I was not belittled or made to feel uncomfortable that this was only my 5th marathon. Everyone was welcomed and celebrated. The marathon is not highly spectated, but it is a double loop course so the spectators are the other runners which makes for great comradeship. Even though I want to focus on different states, I will return to this race because it was such a pleasure and good time. Pre race pasta was the best I've had and post race party at the race director's house was a bonus!!

I ran this Marathon in 2001. The course is a flat double loop. This is probably the best organized small marathon I have run. Very friendly people. Not many 'fans' on the course, but those that were present were enthusiastic. I would recommend this marathon wholeheartedly. Enter early, the number of participants is limited.

The marathon gods smiled on us this day in Tulsa. The weather forecast for marathon day called for temperatures in the mid thirties with lots rain, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. A total of 92 marathoners gathered at the river on that Saturday morning near 71st Street and Riverside. It was still dark as we received our instructions, did our warm-ups, used one of the two port-a-potties and generally meandered around until it was time to for the starting gun. As we lined up for the 8:00 start, the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon and I moved around to get in a spot where I could feel the warm sun light on my legs---The temperature was in the mid twenties, but it was going to be a clear and sunny day. I silently chuckled to myself as I looked around at some of the obvious first time marathoners-- they looked very nervous and most were way overdressed-- warm-up suits with the number attached to the front, wool knit hats, heavy gloves, heavy pants, etc,. Some of them looked like they were about to go on a snowmobile trip in Alaska. The race director played a record of the national Anthem, and as usual my eyes watered up. I don't really know why that happens to me all the time, especially at marathons - it's embarrassing. Finally, the gun went off and away we went-- I was about dead last as the group charged ahead as though it were a 5K. As I suspected, after a couple of miles the trail was littered with hats, jackets, gloves, sweatshirts, and other articles of clothing discarded by the group ahead of me. A volunteer was picking up the gear in order to get it transported to the finish line. I couldn't help but smile. After about 4 miles, the runners were pretty well spread out and I could see nobody immediately ahead of me and I didn't hear anything behind me either, although I didn't bother looking back as I consider that bad etiquette. (don't know where I got that from, probably just one of those crazy principals I developed over the years which makes no sense, but I believe in) The race course was an out and back twice on a beautiful bike trail that was right next to the Arkansas River. This made for a very nice course for a couple of reasons- First, the trail itself was beautiful and second, the three turn-around points allowed all the runners to keep up with each other. This allowed the front runners and back-of-the-packers (like me) to offer inspirational words to each other two or three times during the race. The sun felt great, the leaves on the trees were just beginning to turn colors, the river was beautiful and I felt like a sixteen year old-- What a joyous day! At the first turn (6.5 mi) I was third from last-- Yes, for the first time in my life I feared that I would be dead last. Gosh, it frightened me, but then my common sense took over and I decided that it should be fun if I could continue the pace and not crash. That's the beautiful thing about a marathon-- one never really knows how he or she will feel at the 20 mile mark. At the 8-mile mark, I rounded a corner and saw another marathoner ahead of me. Finally, I was gaining on someone. From that point on I had a great time as I gradually passed runners for the rest of the race. At the 19.5 mile turn around, I noticed at least 20 runners were now behind me and I was still gaining on others that I could see in front. I felt really strong at this point, so I decided to gamble and charge ahead as best I could, so I picked up the pace and really enjoyed the next five miles. I felt pretty lousy the last mile, but held on for a finishing time of 4:19. I finished 51st of 92 marathoners- It was a hack of a lot of fun and I wouldn't mind doing it again next year.