What drives the ‘Ran Them All’ club to keep running after 25 years?

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has become a tradition for many, but for a special group of runners, it’s more than just an event—it’s a commitment that spans a quarter-century.

Over the last 25 years, a dedicated group of runners has formed the Run Them All club, participating in every single Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon since its inception. What started as a handful of runners has now grown into an elite group that not only competes together but shares a unique bond formed through years of perseverance, triumph, and healing.

What is the story behind the 'Ran Them All' Club?

Every year since the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon began, a group of dedicated runners has shown up, unwavering and determined to run for a cause they believe in. Now, they’ve formed an elite group: the Ran Them All Club, a group of runners who have competed in every single Memorial Marathon since its inception.

Who are the members of the 'Ran Them All' Club?

There are 31 members in the Ran Them All Club, and collectively, they’ve logged over 20,000 miles over the course of the past 24 marathons. This elite group has seen every change to the marathon’s course, medals, and distance—no mile left behind.

“We started noticing this clump of people registering for the marathon every year,” one club member reflected. “After 10 years, there were about 70 of us. Every year it got kind of smaller & smaller.”

Six members of the Ran Them All Club shared their experience with News 9, showcasing what it’s like to commit to such a unique marathon journey.

What makes this marathon special for the runners?

For club members, this marathon is more than just a race. It's about honoring a profound history and standing together in remembrance.

Martin Dean, an avid runner who has also competed in the Boston Marathon three times, explains the significance of the race:

“This is a world-class marathon. You can talk to anyone.” Dean had doubts in 2001 when the marathon was first introduced, questioning whether holding a race would be appropriate after such a tragedy. But those doubts faded once the race began:

“I thought 'we’re gonna have a sporting event for the bombing?' I wasn’t sure what people would think of that. But the AM we got there to start the race... There were people gathered around the Survivor Tree. You saw everything lit up & it was so quiet. And you realized... yeah, this was a good thing.”

Why do they keep running year after year?

For some runners, the marathon became a tradition they couldn't break. Keven Stone, a marathoner with over 83 races under his belt, remembers the point when he realized he couldn’t stop running the Memorial Marathon:

“We didn’t consider doing it every year, but in year six or seven, they started putting it on our bibs. 1 of 300 or so. And every year it tapered down. I mentioned to a friend that I didn’t know if I would keep doing it. And they said, 'Oh, no. You have to keep running it. They’re keeping count. You can’t quit. Ever.'”

Even in moments of personal struggle, the camaraderie and support from the group keep them coming back. Michelle Conroy, a member since the very first Memorial Marathon, recalls a particularly tough time after her mother passed away. Despite the hardships, she pushed forward, helped by her community:

“A couple of years ago, it was difficult ‘cause my mother passed. And all of us have been through life changes – surgeries, deaths. We had a member pass away a couple of years ago,” Conroy said.

What makes the 'Ran Them All' Club unique?

Each runner brings something special to the group, whether it’s the sheer number of marathons they've completed or the way they approach the run itself.

Keven Stone, known for his unique approach, runs barefoot. “We can’t not point out... it sometimes comes up! That you run barefoot, Keven! How do you do this?”

Stone admits he began with minimalist sandals but eventually shed the shoes completely, now running barefoot to avoid pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

“I started with minimalist sandals a year ago. Then it morphed into running barefoot. 2020 was virtual & I did it on the trails and I haven’t worn shoes since then,” Stone added.

His barefoot running has certainly turned heads, but for Stone, it’s about comfort and pain relief: “You’ll hear a lot of people comment. ‘Oh my god! Does he not have any shoes!’”

Why is the spirit of the 'Ran Them All' Club so important?

Despite the physical challenges and the passage of time, the runners in this club continue to push forward, finding strength in their shared journey.

"I'll be in a wheelchair racing if I can. Still doing something," says another runner. "It’s part of the healing process of the whole event. Bringing everyone together."

Every single year, these runners honor the Oklahoma City Memorial and the Marathon’s mission by running together, no matter the obstacles.