Keep Racing In May

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.

Boston Marathon Watch Party at OK Runner

Monday, April 17th is Patriots Day, also affectionately referred to “as the most wonderful time of the year”! That’s right, the Boston Marathon is happening in three days and this year’s race is sure to be an interesting one.

Two-time Olympian Desiree Linden, who came within two seconds of winning Boston in 2011, says her more aggressive training in this block has set her up to contend. Jordan Hasay is making her marathon debut this year and has two successful half marathons under her belt.

Galen Rupp, who earned bronze at the Olympic marathon in August, is scheduled to run Boston for the first time. Rupp is a polarizing figure but regardless how you feel about him, he is always interesting to watch. Fellow 2016 Olympic marathoners Jared Ward and Meb Keflezighi are also competing in Boston, as well as four-time U.S. Olympian Abdi Abdirahman.

Also, OK Runner’s very own Aaron Sherf will be competing in this year’s Boston Marathon. To celebrate all of the runners from Oklahoma, OK Runner is hosting a watch party at their Norman location. So, if you’re lucky enough to have the morning off, head over to OK Runner and enjoy some donuts and bagels and cheer on the runners taking on America’s greatest race.

Aaron Sherf

 

Boston Marathon Watch Party

When: Monday, April 17th, 2017

Time: 8:45 AM

Where: OK Runner, Brookhaven Village

3720 W Robinson St #116, Norman, OK 73072

 

 

How to Add Variety to Your Spring Racing {Oklahoma City & Tulsa}

The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

 
Did you ever play the driving game where you spot clouds that look like other things? Like you think a cloud looks like a horse and the person next to you thinks the same cloud looks like an elephant. While outside on a beautiful spring-like day I found a few bubbly clouds and started looking for ones that looked like animals. I spotted this cloud and to me it looks like a phoenix, rising from the ashes, renewed and regenerated. What do you see?

The phoenix may be the best mythical representation of spring in Oklahoma; when all the dead, crunchy, brown trees and grass begin to regenerate and bloom. In the spirit of reinvention how about trying a race this spring that is outside the standard 5K races. This March consider trying one of these races that offers and uncommon distance or location.

TATUR Snake Run

This unique race will be a six-hour or three-hour timed run taking place on mostly flat, nearly rock and root free, single track trails on the western side of Turkey mountain. The run will start Saturday, March 18th  at 9:00 am, and finish at 3:00 pm. The course will head northwest from the old upper parking lot following some of the trails used in the Turkey and Taturs race including of course the Snake Trail.  You will run 3.75-mile loops. How many laps can you run in three or six hours? It’s up to you.

OKC Dodgers  CommUNITY Run

Join the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation and the OKC Police Athletic League on March 25th for the OKC Dodgers CommUNITY Run. The one mile fun run and 5K will start at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and have a unique finish on the field. A special kids run will take place on the field at the ballpark. This event offers food trucks, kids activities and visits with various non-profits and partners of the run. Following the run, all runners and spectators are encouraged to attend the third annual OKC Dodgers First Look Fan Fest, which will take place inside the ballpark and is free for all attendees.

 

Draper Dirtroads

Close out March with OK Runner on the Draper Lake trails. With a 10K or 10 mile option, this scenic, character-building course is a perfect way to prep for whatever other events you have planned for the spring! And besides, how can you beat at a $5.00 entry fee?

 

 

Valentine Races You’ll Love {Oklahoma City and Tulsa}

The links in the post below may be affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

 
Calling all LOVERS (of running)! This February join hundreds of your closest valentines in getting all worked up and sweaty. Here’s a few Valentine’s Day races going on around the state.

Cupid Shuffle 5K

If you’re interested in a race with a small town fell but with big heart, look no further.The 4th annual Fort Gibson UMC Cupid Shuffle will be held on Feb. 11th at 2:00 pm. All proceeds from the race go towards helping missions’ activities to include but not limited to food pantry, Thanksgiving baskets ministry, Project Noel gift giving at Christmas, Children’s Camp sponsorships, missionary sponsorships, mission trips, Cookson Hills Outreach, and Wesley Foundation sponsorships.

Cupid’s Undie Run

This February 11th, be part of something great in the heart of downtown OKC.  Cupid’s is a “brief” fun-run that takes place in the middle of a BIG party. That’s right: party, run (a mile-ish, and at your own pace), party; all in benefit of Children’s Tumor Foundation, and all to end neurofibromatosis (#EndNF). Undies are strongly encouraged. Additional clothes are optional.

Sweetheart Run

Wear your red and join other hopeless romantics on February 18th at Fleet Feet Blue Dome edition. Your race entry can go to several good causes because the 2017 Sweetheart Run benefits three local non-profits; Animal Rescue Foundation Tulsa, Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Family & Children’s Services.

To find more runs near you, check out the Find a Race page.

Oklahoma Turkey Trots

turkey-trotAre you looking for a way to burn off all that food you will be eating on Thanksgiving Day or just looking for an excuse to wear  a turkey costume? Either way, a Turkey Trot is for you! Check out the list of Turkey Trots happening around the state of Oklahoma this year. Do you have any other Turkey Trots to add to this list?

OKC Turkey Tracks 5K

WHEN: Thursday, November 24th @ 8:30AM
WHERE: Oklahoma City National Memorial in downtown OKC
WHAT: 1 mile fun run starts at 8:30am
5k starts at 9:00am

Turkey Day 5K

WHEN: Thursday, November 24th @ 8:30AM
WHERE: Pickard Ave. – East of the Norman High School Football Stadium Norman, OK
WHAT: 5km starts at 8:30am
Fun run & walk starts at 9:30am
Strollers and leashed animals are welcome.

Edmond Turkey Trot

WHEN: Thursday, November 24th @ 8:00AM
WHERE: Edmond Downtown Community Center Edmond, OK
WHAT: 1 mile fun run starts at 8:30am

Fleet Feet Tulsa Turkey Trot

WHEN: Friday, November 25th @ 8:30AM
WHERE: BOK CENTER, Downtown Tulsa
WHAT: 5km starts at 8:30am
Fun run & walk starts at 9:30am
All finishers receive a finisher medal!
Race Day Registration opens at 7:30am

Ranch Run Supporting Oklahoma Cattle Women

Ranch-Run-2016Run Oklahoma recently posted about adventure races in the state or neighboring states. There is another that must be added to the list and it’s the 2nd Annual OCW Ranch Run. If you can’t gather from the name, it’s a race run through an actual ranch. So for all the city folk or The Pioneer Woman fans, it’s a fun way to get up close and personal to real ranch life as well as supporting ranchers in our state. The Oklahoma CattleWomen, Inc. (OCW) is the voice for women in the Oklahoma cattle industry. OCW’s mission is to promote efficient production of beef, educate consumers on the nutritional values of beef, and communicate goodwill within the communities and state.

Last year was the 1st Annual OCW Ranch Run held at the Hicks-Didlot Cattle Co. Ranch in Altus, OK and wove through the ranch in a way that perfectly featured all the charms of a southwest Oklahoma operation. The race included a 5K as well as a smaller Fun Run for those still getting into the running game. After the race, runners were treated to Breakfast Beef Burritos and were able to talk with the CattleWomen and ranch owners about animal care and how beef could better their diets as runners. Each runner also received a commemorative tank-top for the race. The winners, Sarah Yeom (1st), Amanda Langham (2nd) and Shelly Vinyard (3rd) were awarded medals for their accomplishments as well as beef certificates!

This year, the OCW Ranch Run will be held on August 20th at the Hicks-Didlot Ranch in Altus, OK. Registration is open to both adults and youth and will be open until August 17th. Late registrations will be taken the day of race as well. Check-in begins at 7:00AM and the race will start promptly at 8:00AM. There are two races; the Ranch Run 5K (3.2 Miles) and the Fun Run (1 Mile). Prizes for this year’s race are yet to be determined but expect something delicious! And don’t worry if you are unfamiliar with ranch life as the track will be well marked and the ground will be worked to perfection by the ranch owners in preparation for the race.

Runners can find more information/registration papers on their website, okcattlewomen.org or through social media by following @okcattlewomen.  Please contact coordinators of this race, Tammi Didlot (405-409-7633) and Becca Laisch (405-596-2518), with questions or concerns.

5 Best Adventure Races Near Oklahoma

Hey Oklahomans! It’s now May and marathon month is over. Are you finding yourself wondering “what next” and looking for something your next big running adventure? If that so, Run Oklahoma has you covered. We’ve gathered a list of adventure races in Oklahoma and surrounding states to get you through the rest of the year.

 

 

The Mowdy Ranch Run 5K/ 10K/ 50K/ Half Marathon/ Marathon Trail Run11406572_1631335827077919_4948260736758101314_n

Where: Coalgate, Oklahoma
When: Saturday, June 11th 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Moderate – tripping hazards (rocks, roots, stumps, and horses).
Camp out the night before the race.
Runners will navigate well marked trails up the rocky hills and down into the heavily wooded creek bottoms. The most of the wild horses will be moved to adjacent pastures but some of the horses are reluctant to move and will be on the race course. All of the horses will be visible to the runners so bring your camera. Proceeds of the event are dedicated to preserving the remarkable mustang. Also, there is plenty of free parking and camping spots available.

Spa Running Festival Half Marathon/ 10K/ 5K/ and Sprint

Spa-10K-Top-of-West-Mtn
Where: Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
When: November 19, 2016
Participants: Capped at 250 runners for ½ marathon
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Difficult – goes to the Summit of West Mountain, down the mountain and back up again.
Highlighted by Runner’s World in 2015 as a bucket list event in the “Top 10 Races In or Near a National Park”, the Spa Running Festival is a family-friendly event that has a race for everyone ….. kids, walkers, beginners to elite runners and those that like a challenge! The half marathon is considered a challenge because you get to run West Mountain and to the top of the Summit twice! Are You Up To The Challenge?

 

Santa Fe Thunder Half Marathon/ 5K/ and Mile Walk

santa fe thunder
Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico
When: Sunday September 18, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Easy – uphill for the first 2 miles then downhill for the remaining 11 miles.

Starting in the heart of Santa Fe at historic Fort Marcy, the point-to-point course follows the Old Taos Highway, finishing at the magnificent Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino in the Pueblo of Pojoaque. The USATF-certified course features spectacular views of the Sangra de Cristo and Jemez mountains while dropping into the colorful Rio Grande Valley. The race boasts African drummers at the start and live music along the course, runners pass by the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, the Tesuque Village Market, Camel Rock and the Tesuque Pueblo on the way to Pojoaque.

Plano Balloon Festival 1K/ 5K/ Half Marathon/ and Half Marathon Relay

tethered_balloon_picture(1)
Where: Plano, TX
When: September 24th and 25th, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Easy

With a race distance for all running levels you can enjoy a run through remarkable hot air balloons. And if you feel up to the adventure, take a hot air balloon ride after your race. All participants receive two tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival plus parking on race day.

Hospital Hill Half Marathon/ 10K/ 5Khospital hill run

Where: Kansas City, Kansas
When: Saturday, June 3rd and 4th, 2016
Registration: Now Open
Difficulty: Moderate

The oldest race in Kansas City now in its 41st year. The half marathon covers hilly but scenic terrain from Crown Center to the Plaza and Brookside areas. People enjoy this race because of the challenge of heat, hills, and humidity. A great way to explore a city and race with some speedy folks.

November 2015 – Oklahoma Area Races

turkey-runningOkay, guys. So if you don’t know, November is like THE month for marathons. Like every state has a marathon this month and it’s awesome. But rather than focusing on all of those big name, hugely famous, amazing marathons, we here at Run Oklahoma are going to mix it up and stick with all things Turkey Trot. “What’s a Turkey Trot”, you ask. Well, only the most wondrous thing to happen to Thanksgiving since pumpkin pie! It’s a 5K road race that is run as a way to burn calories prior to an indulgent Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve gathered a list of the Turkey Trots scheduled around Oklahoma and encourage you to check one out. Consider making them a party of your family’s tradition.

November 14th, 2015

Lindsay Turkey Trot – Lindsay, OK

Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run – Salisaw, OK

Thursday, November 26th 2015

Turkey Day 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run – Norman, OK

Finer Physiques Turkey Trot – Enid, OK

Edmond Turkey Trot 5k – Edmond, OK

Oklahoma City Turkey Trot – OKC, OK

Turkey Day Wobble Gobble 5K – Lawton, OK

Friday, November 27th, 2015

2015 Turkey Trot – Tulsa, OK

October 2015 – Oklahoma Area Races

I don’t think God made a more perfect month than October. The cooler temperatures, foliage, and wide variety of race offerings make running outdoors in Oklahoma a delightful experience. Here are a few races that may tickle your October running fancy.

Gotta Have a Beer Run – There is an obligation for runners over the age of 21 to run a beer race in the month of October. If you aren’t of the legal drinking age, at least Red Coyote is providing you with an opportunity to run the Runtoberfest 5K in your lederhosen.

lederhosen costume

Gotta Have Your Own Distance Run – The HITS Running Festival is making its way to Oklahoma City this year and offers a distance for everyone (1 mile all the way to marathon). Each race will FINISH inside Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark while traversing the FLAT & FAST course over soaring Skydance Bridge and manicured River Trails along the Oklahoma River.

Gotta Have a Costume Run – On Halloween day, you can dress up in your costume and get out and participate in the Monster Dash at Reeves Park in Norman. It’s  a great way to burn some calories and earn all that candy you’ll be gobbling up later that night.

monsterdash

JULY 2015 – OKC & TULSA AREA RACES

Summer has finally reached Oklahoma and as the temperatures begin to rise we have a list of some of the hottest races around.

Hot Ladies Race – The Diva Dash is coming to Tulsa and is a great event to celebrate being a woman (or girl). The celebrity partner for this race is Girls on the Run, a nonprofit after-school program for girls in grades 3rd-8th that addresses the healthy development of a girl’s physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.

Hot Peaches Race – Oklahoma does have some tasty fruit festivals around that state that help pass the long summer days in a tasty way. Couple that with a 5K first thing in the morning and there isn’t a better way to enjoy your summer weekend. Join in the Stratford Peach Festival 5K to get a slice of small town life and a tasty treat after your run.

Tired of Hot and Ready for Football Season Race – By late July we’re all ready for a break from the heat and beginning to get excited for the upcoming college football season. Join Fleet Feet Tulsa to ring in the new football season and celebrate your favorite team with the Bedlam Run 5K