Run to Remember Memorial Marathon Podcast

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.

“Amazing feet” best describes one marathoner and the wild way he trains and races. The Marathon runs right past the front door of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Hear how the congregation represents the Oklahoma Standard. And “Can You Beat the Gov?” Learn how your relay team can earn bragging rights and a special T-shirt.

Thomas Grilk, retired CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, shares training tips to qualify for Boston. Scott Frye is heading to Boston after qualifying in OKC. From News 9, Mike Glover emphasizes how OKC has continued to grow stronger since the bombing.

MTM Recognition has created the Run to Remember medals for over two decades. Mike Ketcherside shares the impact of seeing his companies medals on each runner. Meet Robert Samis, who is bringing friends from different states to join him in the Half Marathon this year. Josue Araujo, Pastor at First Church, brings joy to the OKC community all Race Weekend!

This week, we hear from Jenna Woodward, who has completed nine marathons. Jennifer Nakayama, President & CEO of the Downtown OKC Partnership explains her passion for all things OKC. A familiar face, Robin Marsh, with News9 shares how she focuses on passing this story to younger generations.

This week we hear Carlee Daub, Wahoo! Running Coach, talk about fueling your body smart and early. From Devon Energy, Marla Freeman emphasizes why Devon has been a consistent partner since 2001. Caryn Ross, chef and cookbook author, closes by sharing her healthy and easy-to-make energy bar recipe.

This week hear from Jessica Foley, whose mother was killed in the bombing, and her story of teaching students about the Memorial and Marathon. Hear from a first-time marathon runner, John Nguyen, who wants to push his limits. Memorial Marathon General Manager Lynne Porter tells us about new trends for this year’s race.

Meet a young journalist, Bennett Brinkman, who is cross training for the marathon in an unusual way. OKC’s Police Captain Audrea George shares several safety running tips. Hear Channel 9 news anchor Lacie Lowry put into words the energy and emotion she felt at the start line the morning of the race.

Meet the new Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Chair of the Board, the race runs right by her house. Then, go behind the scenes with the Start Finish Line Chairman and why the 168 banners are his main focus, and a young News 9 reporter shares why he never forgets.

A runner shares the power of his relay team that celebrates their colleagues and the mission of the Run to Remember. Winter weather doesn’t stop runners but what’s the smart way to train? The Marathon’s Medical Director has essential tips. And hear some convincing ideas why you should volunteer race weekend – even if you are a runner! Visit OKCMarathon.com and follow the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKCMarathon Twitter: https://twitter.com/okcmarathon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okcmarathon

Getting off the couch and running in the 2024 Run to Remember – how and when do you know which race to run this year? A Senior Marathoner tells us she never thought she was an athlete – that changed when she crossed the Finish Line. And how does a news reporter cover a story while wearing a gorilla suit? This week’s guests will inspire and make you laugh!

Almost 1,000 runners took up a new challenge and joined the Memorial Marathon Kickoff Training Run – experiencing the new 5K course for the first time. Recorded live at the run, tune in for training tips from coaches, athletes and how a running club can help your training and race results.

Happy New Year! It’s time to kick off training for the 2024 #RUNtoREMEMBER. Host Kristin Fares, and Race Director Kari Watkins, catch up with the 2023 Marathon and Half Marathon winners and why they both say this race is a “must do.” Wondering about your upcoming training weather? News 9’s Chief Meteorologist David Payne shares his look ahead. The Run to Remember Podcast will be available in video this season thanks to our new recording partner, Griffin Media. Visit okcMarathon.com and follow the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on social media for the latest updates. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okcMarathon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okcmarathon TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okcmarathon

The 2023 Oklahoma Memorial Marathon is officially behind us! It was an inspiring weekend of reflection, determination, celebration and remembrance. In this final episode of the season, hear post-race reactions from Marathon winners Al Maeder and Kristi Coleman, Half Marathon winners Andrew Leahey and Kristen Vaughn, Relay winners The Coaches Collective and 5K winners Luis Chavez and Natalie Duggan. Then, Mayor David Holt and his daughter and Debreon Davis and her niece and nephew share their experiences running the Kids Marathon, and Senior Marathon ambassadors Linda Cavanaugh and Jane Jayroe reflect on the new race for runners 65 and up. Plus, Memorial Marathon co-founder David Hill shares his thoughts on the Marathon’s powerful mission. Visit www.OKCMarathon.com and follow the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates. See you in 2024! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKCMarathon Twitter: https://twitter.com/okcmarathon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okcmarathon

Experience the excitement of the 2023 Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo during a special live broadcast of the Run to Remember! Host Kristin Fares and Race Director Kari Watkins speak to a full lineup of guests, including Oklahoma City bombing survivor Amy Downs and family members Ryan Whicher, Meredith Highland and Cindy and Albert Ashwood. Hear from running legends Joan Benoit Samuelson, Dick Beardsley, Bill Rodgers, Jerry Faulkner, Marko Cheseto and Ellie Deglau McGriff. Other guests include KWTV News 9’s Amanda Taylor, Karl Torp and David Payne, Memorial trustee Chris Fleming, Marathon announcer Whit Raymond, runners Lottie Fares and Caroline Watkins, Perry Weather Consulting’s Colin Perry and Race Weekend yoga instructor Jennifer Henry and her longtime running partner Sally Shelton. Plus, Rachel and John Foster share her remarkable journey from brain injury to marathoner. Visit www.OKCMarathon.com and follow the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates. See you in 2024! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKCMarathon Twitter: https://twitter.com/okcmarathon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okcmarathon