May 3, 2023

Okla. City, OK- Supporters come to the annual marathon race to cheer on runners. 

Sunday marked the 23rd anniversary of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. The Run to Remember marathon originated in 2001 to remember the innocent lives lost in the Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995. Today, hundreds of individuals line the streets to support runners, whether they know someone running or have a personal connection to the tragedy.  

Of the 168 lives lost in the bombing, a hole was left in the hearts of each family and friend killed back in 1995. Oklahomans have been left with a permanent stain from the bombing that took place at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in OKC.  

Now, countless Oklahomans can still recall the exact moment when they felt the ground shake or heard the breaking news regarding the bombing incident.  

Oklahoma City resident Randy Bray worked in a building right across the street from the Murrah building in 1995. He comes out every year to support the runners as they remember a tragedy so close to his heart.  

“I happened to know some of the children in the building that were killed [during the explosion],” Bray said. “They had a daycare there, and two weeks prior to my son getting into a different system, he was going to be there. It’s by the grace of God that he wasn’t.” 

Graphic by Olivia Talkington

Completing a marathon is no small task. Whether supporters come out to encourage the runners, remember those who died in the bombing, or some of both, it’s a huge part of the OKC Memorial Marathon.  

Oklahoma City resident Jennifer Pankhurst comes out to support the marathon runners at the corner of her street each year. Pankhurst enjoys cheering on the racers as she passes out water and blasts music through a speaker.  

“I know a lot of people had loved ones they lost in the bombing,” Pankhurst said. “I know everyone is just supporting runners and running the race in memory of those who were killed.”  

One local church came out to spread the word about joining their community. Thrive Community Church member Zac Owen gathered at the marathon to cheer on friends and runners in the race.  

“We want to reach the city of OKC with the good news of the gospel,” Owen said. “What better way to do just that than to come out here and support our neighbors as they take on these heavy feet of running this half or full marathon. We have a couple of church friends running the race as well.” 

Image captured by Olivia Talkington

Every year supporters line the streets of downtown OKC whether they have a friend, family member or personal connection to the bombing. Oklahoma resident Austin McCullough, alongside his dog Stardust, has run the race previously but came to cheer on friends. 

“Everyone out here is here to support you,” McCullough said. “Don’t be embarrassed if you have to walk some during the race, it happens. This is a race worth running at least once for everyone. It’s important to never forget what happened about the bombing.” 

Supporters continue to show up and encourage runners as they Run to Remember the victims. Everyone has a testimony as to why they show support for the OKC Memorial Marathon and remember the OKC bombing.