Route 66 Marathon Weekend Kicks Off With 5K, Mascot Dash

A weekend of racing kicked off on Saturday in Downtown Tulsa with the Williams Route 66 5K, fun run and mascot dash. <br/>

Saturday, November 22nd 2014, 7:42 pm

By: News On 6

Route 66 Marathon Weekend Kicks Off With 5K, Mascot Dash

A weekend of racing kicked off on Saturday in Downtown Tulsa with the Williams Route 66 5K, fun run and mascot dash. Even though the weather wasn't the greatest, thousands showed up to either run or just cheer on the racers.

Saturday's 5K and fun run brought folks from all over, like University of Kansas student Laura Murphy.

"This is one of the most interesting and neat downtown areas,” Murphy said. “I love the arts district. It doesn't compare to any other race I've been in so it.s really neat."

Elayna Conner cheered on her husband and son as they crossed the finish line.

Williams Route 66 Marathon course maps

"He ran at school and decided this is something he wanted to do, so why not go support him and see if he could do it, and he did great," Conner said.

Some of these runners used Saturday as a warm up for Sunday's marathon and half marathon that is in its 10th year. Organizers said the weekend will bring more than 11,000 people from every state from six countries and three continents.

"Traveling to Tulsa to get an intimate street-level view of everything we have going on, so were very proud and thankful of that," marathon representative Chris Lieberman said.

Also celebrating were Girl Scouts as they wished a happy 40th birthday to their iconic Samoa cookie. Lifelong Girl Scout and runner Karen Holland proudly wore a Samoa costume in the mascot dash.

"I love seeing that everyone come from so far away to see Tulsa and see our great community and city and all the support that comes out through volunteers,” Holland said.

The marathon not only has an economic impact on Tulsa, but it also raises more than $60,000 for charities including the United Way and the Tulsa SPCA.

11/21/2014 Related Story: Route 66 Marathon Having Positive Impact On Tulsa Economy