Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Memorial Marathon and thank you to everyone who made it such a special #RUNtoREMEMBER. Thank you for another great season of the run member podcast. We'll see you next year!

This episode is about more than miles, more than training, and more than race day. It’s about Why We Run.

The Memorial Marathon honors those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever by the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. Every year, the Marathon begins with 168 seconds of silence, one second for each individual who was killed. And along the course, runners pass 168 banners, each carrying the name of someone whose story continues to inspire us.

Today, we’re sharing the personal “why” behind the people who make this event what it is. Their stories remind us that the Memorial Marathon is about far more than running. It’s about celebrating life, lifting up a community, and ensuring that we never forget.

First, we’ll talk with Blayne Arthur, whose mother Dr. Peggy Clark — was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. Blayne has participated in the Memorial Marathon for several years and her friends and family come together in a big way every race weekend.

Then, hear from Nick Chafey, whose mother Rona Linn Kuehner-Chafey was killed in the Oklahoma City bombing. Nick has been a dedicated volunteer and serves as the Memorial Marathon’s on-course medical chairman!

Next, meet Chris Scheiern, a captain with the OKC Fire department who is getting ready to run the half marathon this year. He was a young boy when the bombing happened, but has been able to work with and learn from several firefighters who responded to the bombing.

Then, we’ll chat with Mason Hendon, Marathoner and Emergency Medical Technician as he shares what motivates him, and how he finds time to train with his busy schedule.

Finally, meet OKC Police Sergeant Chris Teeter who is getting ready to lace up his shoes and run the Memorial Marathon! He is just one of the dozens of OKC police officers who will be participating in the Memorial Marathon.

First, we’ll talk with Matt Pinnell who has miraculously found time to train for an run the Memorial Marathon on top of all his work as Lt. Governor!

Then, hear from Adam Wisniewski, Vice President of Sports Development at Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, as we chat about the impact of race weekend on our city!

Next, meet Toby Robinson – a member of the Memorial’s Board of Trustees who will be taking on the Quarter Marathon this year!

And trust us, you’ll want to stick around to hear from Ashley Carreon – 8 time Memorial Marathon race participant, 3x winner of the Women’s Half Marathon and winner of the Women’s marathon last year with a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 33 seconds…wow!

The 2026 OKC Memorial Marathon takes place the weekend of April 24 through the 26th. Visit OKCMarathon.com and sign up to run, walk or volunteer.