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.

First, we talk with Chris Weigl, Christin Vaughn, and Laszlo Tallai from CU on the Run! Learn about how this friendly competition fosters community and support for the Run to Remember. Then, hear from Elizabeth Bowen and Terri Winblad with the YMCA! We chatted with them to hear about how they’re helping to improve senior wellness around the city and how they are preparing our Senior Marathon participants for race weekend. Finally, hear from Whitney Powell, an Oklahoma runner and mom of 3 who shares her story of finding a passion for running with the Memorial Marathon. 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.

First, hear from Lesly Vasquez, an OKC native who plans on running her first full marathon this year!

Then, we’ll talk with Steve Scalzo, the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Hand Crank Wheelchair Winner! Listen as we learn more of his story and what motivates him.

Finally, hear from Dan Strang with Coopah, our training app partner who believes every runner deserves world class coaching. We caught up with Dan at Running USA to learn more about how Coopah’s personalized training plans can help runners prepare for Race Weekend.

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.

First, hear from Cherith Aven, a Principal at Mannford Public Schools, as we talk about how the Oklahoma Educators Run Club fosters community and wellbeing among Oklahoma educators.

Then, meet Al Maeder, a physical therapist and the 2023 and 2025 Men’s Marathon winner!

And finally, meet Carrie Jacobs, Public Information and Marketing Manager for OKC Parks to learn more about how OKC Parks partners with the Memorial Marathon.

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.

First, hear from Melissa Medina, Dean of the OU College of Pharmacy and avid runner. Listen as she shares her story of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Then, meet local runner and running coach Alex Davis. Alex has found time to compete in the Memorial Marathon in multiple ways – all while coaching and teaching full time!

And last but not least, meet Brad Kroll, President of Marathon Foto, the official race photographer of the Run to Remember. Learn more about how they partner with the OKC Memorial Marathon to capture our runner’s proudest moments and memories.

First, meet Jennifer Nakayama, President and CEO of Downtown OKC. Jennifer is also a Memorial Trustee! We’re excited to chat with her and hear how Downtown OKC gets ready for race weekend.

Then, hear from David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, as we chat about the golden age of OKC, his leadership, and his continued commitment to one of our city’s most meaningful traditions.

And last but certainly not least, meet Mason and Kelsey Hudson! Mason and Kelsey credit the Memorial Marathon for bringing them together…Listen as they share their story of finding love and overcoming obstacles.

Join us every Friday for a new episode. Let us know your questions and tell us your running story at okcMarathon.com