Run to Remember Memorial Marathon Podcast

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.

As we approach race weekend, tune in to hear Samantha Bentson, Relay chairman, share essential details about the Relay. If you are a teacher, Cherith Aven tells how to become part of the Oklahoma Educators Running Club, and Karl Torp with News 9 is training for the 5K with his 9-year-old son.

We spoke with OKC Mayor David Holt about how he races with future generations and gives enthusiasm on race day. Learn from Red Coyote’s John Gignac how pacers serve as vital source of motivation for every runner. Christin Vaughn of Allegiance Credit Union describes how her employees run and volunteer to express their support. 

From the night before to the finish line, here are tips every first-time and seasoned runner should know to put their best foot forward.