This week on the Run to Remember Podcast, we dive into mental health and running with Lynne Porter, Memorial Marathon General Manager & Director of Operations, who shares valuable insights on how running can positively impact mental well-being. 

Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA, joins us to explore the latest running trends from across the country and offers expert tips for tackling the Marathon.

Plus, Morgan Danker, Permits & Events Coordinator with OKC Parks, gives us the inside scoop on health and wellness programs around the city, along with recommendations for the best spots along the marathon course to cheer on runners. 

Marathon Medical Director Dr. Brian Coleman gives advice on nutrition and refueling – one of his suggestions really surprised us! Five time Memorial Marathon winner, Catherine Lisle, shares why she keeps running this race. Are you thinking about joining a running club? Landrunners President Mark Ballard discusses how it can improve your performance and training.

The Marathon is celebrating 25 years! Learn how it began and what it means to runners and our city today. Chet Collier, one of the Memorial Marathon founders, reveals how he and some running buddies created the race. Sam Presti, Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager, shares why this race matters even more today. Hear insider course tips from 2024 men’s Marathon winner Korey Larson. And Amy Sergent with the historic Heritage Hills neighborhood lets us in on their cheer zone plans for runners. 

Runners laced up and came out for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon’s Kickoff Training Run. Recorded live as runners finished, Host Kristin Fares and Race Director Kari Watkins chatted with beginning and experienced runners. Meet some of our new 25th anniversary partners in our first podcast of the season.  

From YOU can do it... to YOU did it, we applaud you and all our winners! We’re celebrating champions including familiar and fresh faces, a 13 year old track sensation and our new, five-time women’s winner. A first place finish was their goal but running to remember was their inspiration. Joan Benoit Samuelson shares her 1984 Olympics win – a first for women and four-time Boston Marathon winner, Bill Rodgers, loves our Senior Marathon. We wrap up this season with reflections on why the Memorial Marathon is much more than a race. 

Hosts Kristin Fares and Kari Watkins take the Podcast LIVE during day one of the Health & Fitness Expo! Hear from  Family Members, Survivors, Volunteers, Running Legends, Past Winners and more! We chat with more than a dozen people about their 2024 experience.

After hearing personal stories from family members Sara Sweet, Nick Chafey, and Darren Rankin, survivor Kim Neese, and first responder Brian Jennings, we gain a better understanding of what the Run To Remember stands for.

OKC Thunder Player Mike Muscala (recently back to OKC!) shares why our community is so special and why he was excited to return.

As we approach race weekend, tune in to hear Samantha Bentson, Relay chairman, share essential details about the Relay. If you are a teacher, Cherith Aven tells how to become part of the Oklahoma Educators Running Club, and Karl Torp with News 9 is training for the 5K with his 9-year-old son.

We spoke with OKC Mayor David Holt about how he races with future generations and gives enthusiasm on race day. Learn from Red Coyote’s John Gignac how pacers serve as vital source of motivation for every runner. Christin Vaughn of Allegiance Credit Union describes how her employees run and volunteer to express their support. 

From the night before to the finish line, here are tips every first-time and seasoned runner should know to put their best foot forward.