OKLAHOMA CITY -- The day started with 168 seconds of silence before runners from around the world started the competition in the 18th Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: A Run to Remember.
The 168 seconds represented the number of victims who lost their lives in the Murrah Building bombing almost a quarter of a century ago in Oklahoma City.
In the true spirit of community, strength and resilience, runners from around the world made the 18th running memorable.
From the sounds of silence at the beginning of the race, to the appearance of some who survived and were changed forever, to the joy and inspiration at the finish line, Sunday’s race was the Oklahoma standard at its finest.
Oklahoma’s largest race hosted 24,667 runners from all 50 states and 13 foreign countries this year. Oklahomans swept the Full Marathon wins.
This was the first Marathon ever for winner, 40 year old Nathan Chamer, originally from Kenya, now living in Choctaw. He crossed the finish line in 2:33:45.
“The weather, the cheering crowds, thinking of those who lost family members, the survivors, seeing the first responders, all made this win possible," Chamer said. "We can all stand up against evil together.”
Kristen Radcliff, the fastest women’s marathoner, teared up as she talked about her win.
“Running in Dallas and even the Boston Marathon is nothing compared to running in your home state," she said. "It means so much more. And the reason behind this race makes it even more special.” Radcliff, used to running against the wind in her hometown of Forgan in the Oklahoma panhandle, came in at 2:54:54.
And it was a repeat in the Half Marathon race – both were the 2017 Half Marathon champions. Max McNeill, of Edinburgh, Scotland, now a member Oklahoma City University’s track team, crossed the finish line in 1:11:09. Amanda Goetschius, from Norman, finished in 1:19:04. Goetschius set the women’s Half Marathon course record in 2017.
Other winners included:
Relay: OK Runner – 2:42:58
5K Men: Jackson Southers 00:18:05
5K Women: Jessica Cain 00:22:31
Handcrank Wheelchair: Kenneth Lewis 1:41:06
Pushrim Wheelchair: Tadd Parrett 3:37:04
Standard Wheelchair: Ben Carden 4:53:41
“Congratulations to every single runner who made this a Run to Remember. It’s also with much gratitude that we thank the thousands of volunteers, all the neighborhoods and everyone who gives so much to support to this race and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum,” said Kari Watkins, Race Director.
(Photo credits: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Mayor David Holt, Kristen Radcliff, Steven Taylor, Kari Watkins)
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