Run to Remember Memorial Marathon Podcast

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Memorial Marathon and thank you to everyone who made it such a special #RUNtoREMEMBER. Thank you for another great season of the run member podcast. We'll see you next year!

This episode is about more than miles, more than training, and more than race day. It’s about Why We Run. The Memorial Marathon honors those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. Every year, the Marathon begins with 168 seconds of silence, one second for each individual who was killed. And along the course, runners pass 168 b...

First, we’ll talk with Matt Pinnell who has miraculously found time to train for an run the Memorial Marathon on top of all his work as Lt. Governor! Then, hear from Adam Wisniewski, Vice President of Sports Development at Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, as we chat about the impact of race weekend on our city! Next, meet Toby Robinson – a member of the Memorial’s Board of Trustees who...

First, we talk with Chris Weigl, Christin Vaughn, and Laszlo Tallai from CU on the Run! Learn about how this friendly competition fosters community and support for the Run to Remember. Then, hear from Elizabeth Bowen and Terri Winblad with the YMCA! We chatted with them to hear about how they’re helping to improve senior wellness around the city and how they are preparing our Senior Marathon parti...

First, hear from Lesly Vasquez, an OKC native who plans on running her first full marathon this year! Then, we’ll talk with Steve Scalzo, the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Hand Crank Wheelchair Winner! Listen as we learn more of his story and what motivates him. Finally, hear from Dan Strang with Coopah, our training app partner who believes every runner deserves world class coaching. We caught up with Dan...

First, hear from Cherith Aven, a Principal at Mannford Public Schools, as we talk about how the Oklahoma Educators Run Club fosters community and wellbeing among Oklahoma educators. Then, meet Al Maeder, a physical therapist and the 2023 and 2025 Men’s Marathon winner! And finally, meet Carrie Jacobs, Public Information and Marketing Manager for OKC Parks to learn more about how OKC Parks partners...

First, hear from Melissa Medina, Dean of the OU College of Pharmacy and avid runner. Listen as she shares her story of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Then, meet local runner and running coach Alex Davis. Alex has found time to compete in the Memorial Marathon in multiple ways – all while coaching and teaching full time! And last but not least, meet Brad Kroll, President of Marathon...

First, meet Jennifer Nakayama, President and CEO of Downtown OKC. Jennifer is also a Memorial Trustee! We’re excited to chat with her and hear how Downtown OKC gets ready for race weekend. Then, hear from David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, as we chat about the golden age of OKC, his leadership, and his continued commitment to one of our city’s most meaningful traditions. And last but certainly no...

First, meet Dr. Steiner, Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Oklahoma Children’s OU Health is the new sponsor of the Kids Marathon and we are so glad Dr. Steiner is here to chat with us about Children’s health and wellbeing! Then, meet Mark Bravo! Mark has been an integral part of the OKC running community for decades. If you’ve run a race in Oklahoma, chances ar...

In this week’s episode, hear from News 9 Anchor, Robin Marsh, who was one of the journalists reporting from the scene of the Oklahoma City bombing, and who has covered the Memorial Marathon for years. Next, meet Kim Burden, a running representative from Landrunners, who has run countless half marathons, marathons, ultra marathons and an ironman. She has an inspirational story to share with us toda...

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet Chris Hale, a training program coordinator with Red Coyote – one of the several awesome local training groups helping runners prepare for April! Then, meet Miss Oklahoma City -- Katelyn Woods! She has been involved in the Memorial Marathon in several ways over the years, but this year she’s planning to run her first half marathon!  And last but definitely not le...

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet Marla Freeman, Community Relations Manager at Devon Energy—our presenting Marathon sponsor. Next, Ainsley’s Angels Central Oklahoma Ambassador Chris Brinkley shares how his organization creates opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in endurance events like the Memorial Marathon. Finally, hear from Christie Thomas, founder of Wahoo Running, a t...

In this week’s episode, you’ll meet United States Air Force member Tory Howard, a half marathoner training for his first full marathon. Next, we’ll introduce Maggie Harding, a high school sophomore (and Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Teen Board member!) who is also training for her first marathon. Maggie's grandfather is an Oklahoma City bombing survivor, giving her a powerful personal c...

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear some fun conversations with a number of local people making big impact. First, meet Jason Gallagher a two-time Half Marathoner, writer, producer, Emmy-winning director who works with NBA legends right here in OKC! Next, you’ll hear from Brooke Coe with Expand Energy – the Memorial Marathon’s Cheer and Entertainment sponsor. And finally, you’ll meet Lisa Ashford...

In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you all the energy and excitement from the 2026 Memorial Marathon Kickoff Training Run . You’ll hear from Olympian Jenny Simpson  as she shares her inspiring running journey and some can’t-miss training tips.   We’re also joined by two special guests who hit the pavement with us: Diego Garcia , a first-time marathoner and high school cross-country runner, and...

In this first episode, you’ll hear some unforgettable running stories. First up: Elliott Murphy, whose powerful journey through loss and resilience captured the attention of millions across social media. Then we’re joined by Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert and his wife Alexis for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. And trust us...you’ll want to stick around for our final guest, Erik...

In our unforgettable season finale, we’re honoring the finishers and the 25-year legacy of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Join us as we celebrate our inspiring winners: Al Maeder and Ashley Carreon blaze to Marathon victories, while Half Marathoners Chris Floyd and Kylee Reed leave it all on the course. Quarter Marathon champs Ryan Schoppe and Madalyn Harper shine, 5K stars Austin McNair and...

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, is just one week away. This weekend we will commemorate the reason behind this race, for all those impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing. On Saturday morning, April 19, we’ll gather together for the 30th anniversary Remembrance Ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. In this very special episode, we talk with some family members, a survivor and first r...

This episode you’ll hear how City Manager of Oklahoma City Craig Freeman, City Manager of The Village Dave Slezickey, and City Manager of Nichols Hills Shane Pate are preparing for race weekend. Next, hear from Oklahoma City Police Captain Audrea George and learn how different agencies are working together to ensure the course is safe, so you can focus solely on your race! Finally, we'll get caugh...

This episode you’ll hear from Oklahoma coaching great Sherri Coale, Tana Cashion is here from Devon Energy, the Memorial Marathon’s presenting sponsor, and News 9 anchor, Robin Marsh, shares why she looks forward to race morning. 

In this episode, you will hear from Adam Wisniewski with Visit OKC about the incredible impact the Marathon has on the city, runner and volunteer Carrie Burkhart experienced the Oklahoma Standard first hand after a hardship of her own, and Amanda Scofield with the Zero Waste Team shares the importance of taking care of our planet through limiting our waste.

This episode you’ll hear from Daniel Pae, executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, Heather Johnston, a Red Coyote Pacer and Angela Muir with Boom Town Creamery is here with a big Finish Line announcement for runners.

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Tara Light, a passionate coach who's inspiring the next generation by teaching “Why We Run.” Jenny Love Meyer joins us to shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers making a difference, and Cherith Aven shares how her run club is uniting teachers in a shared mission of wellness and community.

This episode you’ll hear some amazing running stories. Ken Lee is a first-time 5k runner who has a very motivational story. Pastor Jim Perkin with Nichols Hills United Methodist Church celebrates the community of the Marathon in a special way and you’ll want to stick around for Sunny and Poppa, our special senior marathoners at the end of this program.

This episode we’re talking with Marnie Taylor about one of the best cheer zones on the course. Seriously, who doesn’t love some good OJ or Mimosas during their race? Jackie Mania shares her strategies for running the Half Marathon. Race Director Kari Watkins and Foundation Chair, Dr. Susan Chambers got to check out the Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K in Seaside, Florida. They share what they l...