Standout Stats: Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Marks 25 Years

Oklahoma City is gearing up for a big weekend as the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon celebrates a major milestone: its 25th annual Run to Remember.

Here's some notable numbers that are making this year even more memorable:

Organizers say this year is set to be the biggest yet, with around 25,000 runners expected to participate—nearly five times the number from the very first race.

The marathon, held in honor of those killed, those who survived and those changed forever in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, has become more than just a run. It's a celebration of life, perseverance, and community.

Across Saturday and Sunday, participants will compete in six different events, including 1.2 mile Kids and Senior Marathons, a 5K and the full, half and quarter marathons.

The field is international again this year, with runners coming in from all 50 states and 18 countries.

“This year, we have a lot of legends coming,” said race general manager Lynne Porter, who credits a dedicated and well-coordinated team to make the event possible. Eleven legendary runners, including four Olympians, will be on hand this weekend, as well as speaking at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday.

More than 3,000 volunteers help keep the race on track, staffing 16 medical tents and 26 water stations as the course winds through Oklahoma City neighborhoods.

One of the most iconic parts of the course, Gorilla Hill, is once again turning up the energy.

Known for its high-spirited crowd, the area will be packed with 100 banana-costumed cheerleaders under a 50-foot inflatable gorilla.

Speaking of bananas, nearly 19,000 are handed out this weekend, with 2,000 at Gorilla Hill alone. News 9’s Lisa Monahan and Colby Thelen will be live at Gorilla Hill Sunday, rallying support near Mile 7

The race wraps up with a celebration at the finish line, where every runner will receive a medal and a sweet treat. 15,000 scoops of ice cream will be served to help athletes cool down after their run.

“The most excitement is just everyone coming together,” said Porter. “There’s such a good energy from everyone. People have been training a long time and they’re excited to cross that finish line.”

You can watch as runners make it across the finish line, during Sunday’s live coverage from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on News 9 and News9.com

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Coverage 2025