Best Marathons In Oklahoma – Runner’s Choose Oklahoma’s Top Marathons

Are you planning to run a marathon in Oklahoma? Great! Here are some races that you should definitely consider. Just look at the reviews – first hand experience from runners just like you who have already run them.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon – Oklahoma City​

Rated in the top 12 ‘must-run’ marathons in the world by Runner’s World magazine readers, the 26.2 miles of this race are filled with enthusiastic spectators to cheer you on and the most scenic neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. Click here to read more about the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. 

The Course

The course commences at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, meanders throughout the Capitol campus complex, the Lake Hefner trail, and some of Oklahoma City’s historic communities, and finishes at the “Gates of Time”. In this marathon, each runner will pass by a total of 168 banners, one for each of the bombing victims and representing each by name.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a Boston qualifying USATF sanctioned event on a certified (OK-08019-DG) 26.2 mile single loop course.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is run on a demanding but enjoyable course that takes competitors through some of the most charming areas of Oklahoma City. The course is gently rolling with no hard hills. There is approximately 149 feet of elevation change on the course, and you get to do it several times!

Flying Pig Elevation

Image Source: MapMyRun.com

Reviews

“Without doubt the most motivating event I’ve been a part of since the parade in NYC after Operation Desert Storm! Seriously an awesome event to partake in and I look forward to next year!!!”​ – Tim, MarathonGuide.com Review

“Arrived at the EXPO, plenty of free parking. Sunday morning, pancakes at the First Church. Easy access to the corrals. Started right on time, meandered through downtown areas, then by the State Capitol. Lots of cheering spectators. Great volunteers all along the course. Great water stations. Good food and drink at the finish line. Wonderful finishers medal and finishers shirts. Looking forward to 2016!.”​ – R.L., MarathonGuide.com Review

Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy Marathon – Ardmore

This race was created in 2009 to support the mission of Mercy Hospital Ardmore.  The first A2A Race for Mercy was a complete success, even outperforming the hopes of its organizers. 

 Click here for dates and registration info. 

The Course​

This unforgettable Marathon point-to-point course begins at the historic Turner Falls Overlook in the Arbuckle Mountains.

A2A Marathon Ardmore Race for Mercy

Image Source: A2AMarathon.com

Reviews​

“This was a very well organized small race. I ended up running it because of a last minute conflict with another race. First marathon of this size I have run. I will look for similar sized races in the future. The travel, lodging, and race day logistics are so simple and low stress compared to large races. The only thing you have to worry about is your run. The course is very good. I liked the short out and backs. Plenty of aid stations with great volunteers. … Those that came out were great. Nice finishing is the stadium. Makes it very easy for friends and family to see the finish. Its all about the race, not the expo or any of the other stuff. I highly recommend the race. Thanks to the organizers and volunteers.”- G.C. , Marathonguide.com Review​

“This is a great race. The support that the town shows for this event was excellent. It was a hot and windy day and they did a great job of adding aid stations and keeping a close eye on the runners to make sure everyone stayed safe. I highly recommend this race!.” -Z.B., MarathonGuide.com Review​

Post Oak Challenge Marathon – Tulsa

Are you ready for a challenge? Get ready to tackle some of the toughest trails in Oklahoma.  Click here to learn more.

The Course​

This event is run on single track trails, old farm roads, and some gravel road. It is advisable to bring your trail shoes. There will be a drop bag area one half mile past the Start/Finish line. You will have access to your drop bag on every loop. The Trail Marathon will be four loops. You will also run the shorter version of the Hill From Hell. 

ONU Polar Bear Marathon

Image Source: Photobucket

Reviews​

“Nice hilly course that had a mix of trails and roads. The trails were very well marked and easy to follow. Aid stations were great. We enjoyed our stay at the Post Oak Lodge. It was a tough course due to the hills. Great views from those hills.” – A.B., MarathonGuide.com Review​

“Very well organized. Several races over the weekend. A distance for everyone with the option for doublers. This was my first trail marathon, I’m hooked. The course had several miles of singletrack, with some mildly technical sections. Very scenic. Only down fall for the course was the few miles of out and back on the roads. I hope they can keep it all trail in the future. Hill from hell at the finish lived up the hype. Numerous aid stations that were stocked up with food and liquids. The final two stations were AWESOME.” – J.W., MarathonGuide.com Review​

Williams Route 66 Marathon​ – Tulsa, OK

The Williams Route 66 Marathon is a Boston-qualifying race that is run on a USATF certified course throughout 26.2 miles of the historic and scenic streets of Tulsa. All participants are timed electronically, and first time marathoners will receive a special “My First Marathon” Finisher’s Medal.

The Course​

This two-day event is held every year, during the week before Thanksgiving. The 7,500 participants can visit a special spot dubbed the “Center of the Universe”. Race medals commemorate the classic cards that used to traverse Route 66.  

Cleveland Marathon Elevation Map

Image Source: Route66Marathon.com

​Reviews

“If you haven’t run a half marathon, you should seriously consider the Route 66. If you have, you should still consider the Route 66. This is an event Tulsa can be very proud of.” – John J., Yelp Review​

“Once again the Route 66 Marathon sold out and it easy to understand why when you have the opportunity to run here. Despite having thousands of runners and a busy schedule, the efforts of race director Tim Dreiling of Fleet Feet made it possible for me to participate in this event. And there are tons of volunteers assisting throughout the course – even pointing out individual speed bumps on the roads. The course is indeed hilly with plenty of turns, but the experience that Tulsa has in supporting this event more than makes up for it. Any fifty stater looking to cross Oklahoma off the list should definitely run this marathon..” – J.P., Marathonguide.com Review​

​Mowdy Ranch Mustang Marathon – Coalgate, OK

Mowdy Ranch, an ecotourism ranch begun to raise awareness of the American Mustang, hosted it’s first Marathon in 2015.

The Course​

The Mowdy Rancy Mustang Run meanders through the ranch property, in the general area of Coalgate, Oklahoma. While kept at a safe distance from runners, the wild Mustangs will be in the vicinity and often visible to the participants. The earnings from this event will be dedicated to preserving these remarkable creatures.

Cleveland Marathon Elevation Map

Image Source: MowdyRanch.com

Reviews

“There were a few hiccups with the race, but compared to other first year races I’ve gone to, these were not deal breakers for me. The cool factor of the ranch and what they do for wild mustangs makes it even better, knowing my race money went towards their mission was bonus. The fact that Mowdy hosted such a welcoming event, and took on such a lofty task of organizing 4 different distances, I was very impressed with this race. The road trip with my trail gals, and the stories and pictures we have of the trip are just icing on the cake ; ).” – k10herrera, bluevioletblog.wordpress.com Review​

“A one of a kind event. From the unique bandana and first aid kit in the swag bag, to the mustangs and wildlife around the course. Even the outdoor shower was pretty much one of a kind. As far as pre-race meals prepared and served indoors; that’s pretty much what you expect at a trail run. Tons of fun, thanks for the memories. One question: “when does registration for 2016 open?” – Larry, Facebook review.