The Oklahoma Marathon was one of my most enjoyable marathons, possibly Number 3 overall, right behind the Pike's Peak Marathon and my first marathon (Marine Corps Marathon) 20 years ago. I may return to do this marathon. It is a low-key, friendly, small, and fun event. The festivities included an outstanding pasta dinner and motivational program, the marathon itself, and a post-marathon party at the home of Bob Lehew, the Race Director. About 1/3 of the participants were members of the 50 State Marathon Club, the 50 State and DC Marathon Club, and/or the 100 Marathon Club. In other words, many marathon crazies participated.
The marathon was on a pathway along the Arkansas River. It is two loops of a "flat and fast" out-and-back course. The course is pretty, being along the banks of the Arkansas, and the entire 6-mile strip is parkland. The weather was great -- sunny, 45F at the start to 65F at the finish, and minimal wind.
My time was my fastest this year, 5h34m. My pace for the first half was 12m31s per mile, and the second half was 12m57.5s per mile. I attribute my faster time to a brilliant discovery -- taking quicker steps caused me to walk faster!
Another interesting aspect of the marathon was that there were no police on the course. The course did not cross any streets. The water stops were staffed by Tulsa Boys Home residents and their friends. There was music in a half dozen places, and we passed each group four times. Several of the water stops had food, including bagels, pretzels, bananas, and, of course, Gatorade. Best of all, there was a beer wagon at the finish!
Each of the 286 finishers will receive a shirt with the names and times of all finishers; it is to be sent to us. The finishers' medallion is a unique design.
The pre-race pasta dinner was the best I have ever attended. About half of the Marathon participants were at the dinner, which was a sit-down affair at the Hilton Hotel. The pasta was excellent -- far better than most pre-race pasta dinners.
Following the dinner, we had an hour-long program with two entertaining MCs. The impetus for the Oklahoma Marathon was explained. The marathon scheduled for Oklahoma in the Fall of 1998 was cancelled. Bob Lebew, who lives in Tulsa and is the president of the 50 State Marathon Club, was asked if he would organize a marathon to benefit Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Girls Town USA (in Texas), and he did. The 50 state marathoners really wanted to have a marathon in every state and they needed one in Oklahoma.
This year, there were two beneficiaries: Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Girls Town USA, and the Tulsa Boys Home. Proceeds from the marathon provide scholarships to these facilities. About eight young men and one girl from Cal Farley's Boys Ranch and Girls Town were there to do the marathon, along with director of the Cal Farley facility. One of these young men gave an inspiring talk about how he started living at the Ranch when he was 9 years old and into drugs. He has since turned his life around; he graduated from college, and this will be his 4th Oklahoma Marathon. It was a great testimonial for the environment created by the Cal Farley facility.
The craziest of the marathoners were recognized at the dinner. Norm Frank, who was about to do his 799th marathon. Ray Schwagerman, who has completed all 50 states seven times. Ed Burnham, an 82-year-old who has completed more than 110 marathons Rick Worley, the 71-year-old, who did 200 marathons in 156 consecutive weekends. That streak included three full-rounds of all 50 states. All 53 first-time marathoners were introduced and asked to come forward to be cheered.
The festivities finished with a post-race party at Race Director Bob Lehew's home, which was in a very nice neighborhood of Tulsa. Bob's wife made chili and cookies, and there were lots of other goodies. All in all, it was a great marathon festival, and one that I heartily recommend. I will probably return to do this again. In fact, I got so excited about this marathon that I joined the 50 State Marathon Club.