Runners Prepare For Route 66 Marathon In Tulsa

It's race weekend for runners all over Tulsa and across the country.

That means time for rest, a big meal and a lot of excitement.

Saturday kicks off the 5k and 1k and the marathon and half marathon will finish by Guthrie Green on Sunday morning.

Runners we talked to are racing for different reasons, and many have inspirational stories.

The pre-race expo at the Cox Business Center was packed Friday with booths, merchandise and a lot of smiles as racers picked up packets for the Route 66 Marathon.

“I’m running the half marathon and doing the relay for the first time this year," said Reagan Carroll. 

It’s been 10 years since Reagan Carroll has done the half.

She said it feels like the right time to lace up her shoes once again, and her 3 boys are ready to encourage her with drums.

"I can hear them far ahead. I know they’re coming to cheer me on," she said.

“They really start to learn more about what they’re capable of accomplishing," said Cristian Medina. 

Cristian Medina is the executive director of the nonprofit Course for Change, which uses long-distance running to inspire at-risk kids ages 12 to 18.

33 kids are coming from OKC to run the half marathon on Sunday.

“To help them realize they can make a difference in their future," Medina said.

Many runners go all over the country and even the world to race.  

Connie DeFazio thought her goal to run half marathons in all 50 states was over several years ago with a diagnosis.

"I got breast cancer," she said. "I thought I was done, but God said nope.”

The 70-year-old is 5 years cancer-free, and this Sunday, she’ll check off her final state.

“Sunday will be my 50th half marathon," she said. "I will have reached my goal by the grace of God.”

All the running has a different purpose. 

But everyone who races in Tulsa says there is something electric that happens on race day.

“Tulsa really treats runners well," said Destiny Green, the Route 66 Marathon director. "That's a huge part that keeps people coming.”

All the information about road closures and maps can be found HERE.