Thousands Run To Remember OKC Bombing Victims, Survivors

By Deanne Stein, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousand of runners, walkers and spectators participated Sunday in the 12th Annual Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

The marathon honors the victims and survivors of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building.

Special Coverage: Murrah Bombing

"I was at work when it happened and everything stopped, everybody stopped," said Sheryl McComas, a participant in the 2012 Memorial Marathon. "We just felt so bad for them and a lot of us helped during the recuperation and recovery."

Now McComas supports the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum each year during the marathon. In fact, her organization, Team Oklahoma Christian, had 560 entrants, the most by an organization this year.

"We all feel so much for the Oklahoma people," she said. "I'm from Oklahoma, but it's so amazing. I love this."

The Memorial's inaugural race was in 2001 with nearly 5,000 participants and has grown to more than 25,000 runners and walkers this year.

"I just think it's wonderful that people showed up to support us and the reason for the marathon in the first place," said Dana West, marathon participant.

West said his participation is also personal. He said works for the federal government and lost coworkers in the bombing.

Blake Ryan Kennedy was among the 168 people killed in the bombing. His family says he died in the daycare and would have been a high school senior graduating this year.

"I try and run the whole thing and try to get first place for him," said Kolby Kennedy, Blake's cousin.

"It's my favorite time of the year and I love to come here and run," said Travis Clift, Blake's cousin. "I can just see him now, he would be so proud of us."

Each year, the proceeds from the marathon go to support the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. Since 2001, the marathon has contributed $3 million dollars to the Memorial.