Senior Marathon is Evolving in Privileges

by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

The Oklahoma City Memorial Senior Marathon began with a huge turnout in its first year, with more than 1,000 participants 65 or older, and has built on that by becoming more age-range inclusive. It now invites runners and walkers to compete at 60, making it a highly anticipated fixture on the seniors’ fitness calendar.
This focus on inclusion empowers more seniors to log their first miles on their own and complete a “Run to Remember” by finishing the final 1.2 miles of a 26.2-mile goal.
Presented by Mercy Hospitals, the Senior Marathoners complete their event the day before the Marathon, Saturday, April 25, at 8 a.m. Their start is between the 7 a.m. start of the 5K run and the Kids’ Marathon, a similar event at 9 a.m.
The course begins at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and winds through downtown, ending in Scissortail Park!
The social aspect of running, a key to healthy aging, was addressed over the last two years when the planners introduced a Senior Groups program that offered cash awards for the largest participating groups.
Now that the age eligibility has been lowered to 60, many long-time participants are competing in the short Senior Marathon on Saturday as a warm-up. On Saturday, they run their entire regular distance to take advantage of the socialization throughout the weekend.
“This has become one of the quintessential races of inclusion that embodies our Marathon weekend,” race announcer Mark Bravo said. “Now that the age eligibility for the Senior Marathon event has lowered to 60, a key element that affects so many seniors, lack of socialization, is made easier.”
Seniors can actually walk or run the Senior Marathon (1.2 miles) on Saturday-it’s not about being fast, just being a part of things-and if able and prepared, participate in the Quarter, Half or even Full Marathon Sunday.”

Director of Business Development at OK Runner Bravo is an author, running coach and a professional motivational speaker.
“Moreover, not only taking in one of the true “destination races” in the US, but by preparing in the weeks and months previous, valuable relationships are often forged and enhanced, Bravo said in an interview. “I’ve participated in the first three Senior events, and in some capacity, will certainly be out there again Saturday to kick off this most special weekend of races.”
The event’s structure encourages seniors (aged 60+) to complete 25 miles starting in January, culminating in the final 1.2-mile race. This promotes consistent, long-term physical activity, which improves bone density, joint stability, and cardiovascular health in older adults.
Social connectivity is enhanced when seniors participate in groups at fitness centers, churches, and retirement communities. They combat loneliness and build lasting social connections through shared goals.
The Senior Group Program offers two $500 cash awards to help winning groups with the most participants fund their local wellness programs, directly reinvesting in senior health infrastructure.
This event focuses on commemoration and resilience set in the “Oklahoma Standard” on the 31st anniversary of the 1995 bombing. Seniors who lived through the event set an example of healing for younger generations when races began with 168 seconds of silence. The courses

are lined with banners of victims, turning the physical act of running into a collective act of remembrance and hope.
The community-driven event started in 2001 as a fundraiser for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. It has been offering this experience to seniors for four years. Seniors who walk or run before the marathon on Sunday can support the downtown museum to help honor the victims, survivors, rescuers, and those affected by the April 19, 1995, bombing.
As the largest fundraiser for the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, race registration fees directly fund the mission to educate future generations about the impact of violence.
Last year, the overall Memorial Marathon weekend set a record, with 26,000 to 27,000 participants across all six race categories, including the senior division.
Along with lowering the age range for seniors to 60, the run on Sunday introduced a Quarter Marathon last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary. The new 6.55-mile Quarter Marathon may be in reach for seniors who want to double up over the weekend.
Seniors always show their appreciation when they interact with famous senior athletes, including Joan Benoit Samuelson, Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter, who attend to run and speak to participants at the Health & Fitness Expo. Rodgers first won the Boston Marathon in 1975, and went on to win Boston and NYC four times each in the next five years.
Seniors and Senior Groups receive special privileges to recognize their participation in their event on Saturday. On Friday, April 24, the Health & Fitness Expo opens an hour early, offering exclusive entry and packet pickup just for Senior Marathoners at 10 a.m.
A $500 prize will be awarded to the senior group with the most participants. All other groups will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win $500 toward their wellness programs.
The Senior Groups program also offers early packet pick-up for coordinators who receive free registration, allowing them to collect packets for the group before race weekend. Due to the large number of seniors, special bus and van parking will be available for dropping off and picking up senior athletes at the Start and Finish Lines.
This allows seniors to feel like “elite” participants because of the on-course support from a massive outpouring of cheering from volunteering OKC residents. The support and encouragement from the community make seniors feel valued and part of a larger cause.
Senior marathoners can enjoy refreshments, the camaraderie of competition, and interaction at the “Finish Line Festival” presented by Continental Resources in Scissortail Park. They are invited to head inside to the popular Health and Fitness Expo at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau and OU Health present the Expo.
The entry fee of $35, rising to $40 on March 4, includes an event t-shirt and a finishing medal. It offers complimentary admission to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum that day, courtesy of their bib number.
This event can energize many people to participate in an activity that provides good health, a key to aging gracefully. Whether seniors run or walk, this “Run to Remember” is a proven way to stay active and promote good health.