This weekend is the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Many people new to running use this event as a motivator to run their first half marathon, full marathon, or even 5k race. Or even many spectators see the Memorial Marathon and are encouraged to try running for the first time. My hope is that many people will be encouraged to KEEP running. There are many fun events happening around the state next month. Check out some of these races and I encourage you to continue running!
Hungry for a Half Marathon
If the OKC Memorial wasn’t enough for you and you need to run another long distance race, check out the Flowco Half Marathon Saturday, May 6, 2017. This is the ONLY Half Marathon in Bartlesville! Beginning and ending in Johnstone Park, the race will head west along a USATF Certified Half Marathon course with electronic timing by Tatur. This race has really reasonable registration costs and proceeds benefit FLOWCo, a FREE Community Fitness Walk/Run Program open to those in our community ages 12 and up.
Family Friendly Event
If you have young children in your life or just prefer a smaller more quaint arts festival, check out the Norman May Fair. It is hosted at Norman’s historic Andrews Park and will showcase original Craft Work along with family activities, children’s art activities, food trucks and vendors, live entertainment. But of course the most important is a 5k road race on Saturday, May 2017. It’s a great way to run a fun race through Norman and enjoy family activities afterward.
Unique Distance
If you’re tired of always running a 5K race and want to challenge yourself with a new distance, check out Race for Hope 12k/5k in Oklahoma City on Saturday, May 6, 2017. 12k is about 7.5 miles and definitely not a common race distance. Race for Hope is an annual race that raises funds for the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation benefiting children & adults in Oklahoma battling brain tumors.
Relay Racing Fun
Welcome to the re-birth of a nostalgic and history filled event. The Okie Relays was originally launched in 1968. Held annually on the 3rd Saturday in May, it was billed as “the world’s longest four-man relay”. Run on highway 95 starting in Elkhart, KS and ending in Texhoma, TX each team member ran a 10.3 mile leg of the 41.2 mile race. In later years an ultra category was added for those wanting to take on the whole distance to claim the fame of running in three states and across the entire state of Oklahoma. The event has been resurrected and you can gather a team or take on the whole enchilada yourself May 20th, 2017.