Running United F
or the first time in two and half years, we will be running the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in person! The annual Run to Remember brings thousands from across the nation and more than a dozen countries to pause and remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever on April 19, 1995. This race still marks a painful memory for some, a distant one for others, a sign of courage and a chance to learn and grow for all. As participants run the course, they pass the names and faces of the 168 individuals killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. During this extraordinary weekend, 26.2 miles becomes a race surrounded by people and a celebration of life that continues to share and exemplify the Oklahoma Standard. In 2020, the Marathon pivoted to a virtual race to keep everyone safe and looked much different than years past. However, we are excited to
40 | OKLAHOMA CITY MEMORIAL MARATHON
finally be back in person and experience this momentous race weekend together. “What we’ve learned is that running together, and for something larger than ourselves, is an honor and something that we don’t take lightly anymore,” said Chuck Mikkelson, Memorial Marathon Training Chairman and former Landrunners President. “The Memorial Marathon is just that. We’ve been waiting two and half years to be back together and we finally have our chance!” We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from the running community as we navigated the everchanging environment of COVID-19. Several groups continued to train and encourage each other in preparation for the upcoming race. John Bivins, Half Marathoner, expressed his enthusiasm at a Memorial Marathon kick off training run. “Being with the running group again, I was crying like a baby
