Run to Remember Memorial Marathon Podcast

In this week’s episode, you’ll hear some fun conversations with a number of local people making big impact. First, meet Jason Gallagher a two-time Half Marathoner, writer, producer, Emmy-winning director who works with NBA legends right here in OKC! Next, you’ll hear from Brooke Coe with Expand Energy – the Memorial Marathon’s Cheer and Entertainment sponsor. And finally, you’ll meet Lisa Ashford who has ran and been involved in the Memorial Marathon and Kids Marathon in more ways than one!The 2026 OKC Memorial Marathon takes place the weekend of April 24 through the 26th. Visit OKCMarathon.com and sign up to run, walk or volunteer.

In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you all the energy and excitement from the 2026 Memorial Marathon Kickoff Training Run. You’ll hear from Olympian Jenny Simpson as she shares her inspiring running journey and some can’t-miss training tips. We’re also joined by two special guests who hit the pavement with us: Diego Garcia, a first-time marathoner and high school cross-country runner, and Mary Hammer, who trains with the Landrunners. Plus, go behind the scenes of what it really takes to make a marathon happen with Lynne Porter, General Manager of the Memorial Marathon. And to wrap it up, we sit down with Chris Fleming, Chairman of the Memorial Museum, for a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just love a great story, this episode has something for everyone!

In this first episode, you’ll hear some unforgettable running stories. First up: Elliott Murphy, whose powerful journey through loss and resilience captured the attention of millions across social media. Then we’re joined by Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert and his wife Alexis for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. And trust us...you’ll want to stick around for our final guest, Erik Fares (Host Kristin's husband!) the new Trustee Chairman of the Memorial Marathon!

In our unforgettable season finale, we’re honoring the finishers and the 25-year legacy of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Join us as we celebrate our inspiring winners: Al Maeder and Ashley Carreon blaze to Marathon victories, while Half Marathoners Chris Floyd and Kylee Reed leave it all on the course. Quarter Marathon champs Ryan Schoppe and Madalyn Harper shine, 5K stars Austin McNair and Elliott Coleman sprint to the finish, and Ken Lee fulfills his goal of completing the 5K after a life-changing health journey.We also hear from senior marathoners David “Papa”  Morgan and “Sunny” Ellen Morgan, wheelchair winner Steve Scalzo, and our youngest star, Kids Marathon finisher Cade Cowan all the way from the Oklahoma panhandle. Olympic medalist Deena Kastor and First Women's Olympic Marathon Winner Joan Benoit Samuelson reflect on the spirit of this #RUNtoREMEMBER, while Board of Trustees leaders Dr. Susan Chambers and Chris Fleming (who ran the Marathon himself) share what this anniversary milestone means for the future.Whether you walked, ran, wheeled, volunteered, or cheered—this episode is for you. 25 years later, this race is still so much more than running!

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, is just one week away. This weekend we will commemorate the reason behind this race, for all those impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing. On Saturday morning, April 19, we’ll gather together for the 30th anniversary Remembrance Ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. In this very special episode, we talk with some family members, a survivor and first responder about what this race means to them and why it is the Run to Remember. 

This episode you’ll hear how City Manager of Oklahoma City Craig Freeman, City Manager of The Village Dave Slezickey, and City Manager of Nichols Hills Shane Pate are preparing for race weekend. Next, hear from Oklahoma City Police Captain Audrea George and learn how different agencies are working together to ensure the course is safe, so you can focus solely on your race! Finally, we'll get caught up with Governor Kevin Stitt's training, why he looks forward to Marathon weekend, and why it's important we remember April 19, 1995.

This episode you’ll hear from Oklahoma coaching great Sherri Coale, Tana Cashion is here from Devon Energy, the Memorial Marathon’s presenting sponsor, and News 9 anchor, Robin Marsh, shares why she looks forward to race morning. 

In this episode, you will hear from Adam Wisniewski with Visit OKC about the incredible impact the Marathon has on the city, runner and volunteer Carrie Burkhart experienced the Oklahoma Standard first hand after a hardship of her own, and Amanda Scofield with the Zero Waste Team shares the importance of taking care of our planet through limiting our waste.

This episode you’ll hear from Daniel Pae, executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, Heather Johnston, a Red Coyote Pacer and Angela Muir with Boom Town Creamery is here with a big Finish Line announcement for runners.

In this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Tara Light, a passionate coach who's inspiring the next generation by teaching “Why We Run.” Jenny Love Meyer joins us to shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers making a difference, and Cherith Aven shares how her run club is uniting teachers in a shared mission of wellness and community.

This episode you’ll hear some amazing running stories. Ken Lee is a first-time 5k runner who has a very motivational story. Pastor Jim Perkin with Nichols Hills United Methodist Church celebrates the community of the Marathon in a special way and you’ll want to stick around for Sunny and Poppa, our special senior marathoners at the end of this program.

This episode we’re talking with Marnie Taylor about one of the best cheer zones on the course. Seriously, who doesn’t love some good OJ or Mimosas during their race? Jackie Mania shares her strategies for running the Half Marathon. Race Director Kari Watkins and Foundation Chair, Dr. Susan Chambers got to check out the Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K in Seaside, Florida. They share what they learned from that race.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt stops by and shares his favorite things about Race Weekend. Chris Hale with the training programs at Red Coyote Running shares tips, tricks and motivational advice for runners, UCO President Todd Lamb tells us a special way students are participating in the Memorial Marathon and runner Addison Miller shares her first-time marathon journey with us.

This week on the Run to Remember Podcast, we dive into mental health and running with Lynne Porter, Memorial Marathon General Manager & Director of Operations, who shares valuable insights on how running can positively impact mental well-being. Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA, joins us to explore the latest running trends from across the country and offers expert tips for tackling the Marathon.Plus, Morgan Danker, Permits & Events Coordinator with OKC Parks, gives us the inside scoop on health and wellness programs around the city, along with recommendations for the best spots along the marathon course to cheer on runners. 

Marathon Medical Director Dr. Brian Coleman gives advice on nutrition and refueling – one of his suggestions really surprised us! Five time Memorial Marathon winner, Catherine Lisle, shares why she keeps running this race. Are you thinking about joining a running club? Landrunners President Mark Ballard discusses how it can improve your performance and training.

The Marathon is celebrating 25 years! Learn how it began and what it means to runners and our city today. Chet Collier, one of the Memorial Marathon founders, reveals how he and some running buddies created the race. Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager, shares why this race matters even more today. Hear insider course tips from 2024 men’s Marathon winner Korey Larson. And Amy Sergent with the historic Heritage Hills neighborhood lets us in on their cheer zone plans for runners. 

Runners laced up and came out for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon’s Kickoff Training Run. Recorded live as runners finished, Host Kristin Fares and Race Director Kari Watkins chatted with beginning and experienced runners. Meet some of our new 25th anniversary partners in our first podcast of the season.  

From YOU can do it... to YOU did it, we applaud you and all our winners! We’re celebrating champions including familiar and fresh faces, a 13 year old track sensation and our new, five-time women’s winner. A first place finish was their goal but running to remember was their inspiration. Joan Benoit Samuelson shares her 1984 Olympics win – a first for women and four-time Boston Marathon winner, Bill Rodgers, loves our Senior Marathon. We wrap up this season with reflections on why the Memorial Marathon is much more than a race. 

Hosts Kristin Fares and Kari Watkins take the Podcast LIVE during day one of the Health & Fitness Expo! Hear from  Family Members, Survivors, Volunteers, Running Legends, Past Winners and more! We chat with more than a dozen people about their 2024 experience.

After hearing personal stories from family members Sara Sweet, Nick Chafey, and Darren Rankin, survivor Kim Neese, and first responder Brian Jennings, we gain a better understanding of what the Run To Remember stands for.OKC Thunder Player Mike Muscala (recently back to OKC!) shares why our community is so special and why he was excited to return.