Route 66 is a fun marathon and half marathon. Truly the whole city turns up to cheer runners and the number of unofficial - alcohol-laden - stops is very impressive. What's more impressive are the number of spectators who showed up for the 2018 race because it was 32F, windy and damp. Miserable to run in, miserable to stand outside if you didn't have to. Packet pick up is easy at the Cox Business Center. You can pick up a friend's packet of you want, you just need their bib number. The start line is located 5ish blocks away from the expo. The finish line is about 3/4 mile from the expo, so think through what hotel to overnight in based on when you want to walk. My husband did the center of the universe detour because he knew he wasn't going to PR. This is important because you take the detour before the finish line and there's not an official finish time to account for this adjustment. This is definitely a race to run and plan to have fun. Lots of rolling hills can be a blessing or a curse depending on where you train. read more

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Route 66 marathon I just got done running the Williams Route 66 Marathon on 11/18/2012. It was my 51st lifetime marathon completed and 31st state in my personal quest to rock marathons in all 50 states. Signing up and coming to this marathon was sort of a no brainer. It was a choice between the Philadelphia Marathon or the Route 66 Marathon. Both were new states for me, but this one in Tulsa, Oklahoma boasted something unique that I could not ever resist. The idea of joining all three clubs that I am apart of was amazing. The Marathon Maniacs, the Half Fanatics, and the 50 State Marathon Club (with a lot of members in 2 or all 3 clubs) all converge to this very race, making the Route 66 marathon the largest single gathering in the club's history. Early estimates are about 300 strong of us on the course that Sunday morning and it was an absolute delight to see many many friends out there at the expo, at dinner, and on the race course itself. It was a sea of yellow that morning at the Maniac VIP tent that morning and it was amazing. Plenty of folks I do know well and those newbies in the club whom I have yet to meet up in person. All good to know we were there to run the marathon for our health, or well being, our stress relief, and the bonds that tie us up in this sport we love and cherish. Thank you to the Route 66 Marathon for making this happen this year 2012, when I heard of the great response from the membership of last year's event, I just needed to pick up OK for my 50 states marathon quest from Hawaii. I felt that I didn't really like the course all that much, due to the much adieu of the hills of Tulsa. The weather was perfect at the start, but it warmed up considerably in the later miles. I did like the out and back section along the course where you could see the maniacs and 50 staters. It was magnificent, to say the least. Saw a bunch of friends that way, and it inspired me to keep on trucking especially when I tripped and fell at mile 3 on the speed bumps and needed some motivation to keep it going. The course ran through beautiful neighborhoods, commercial districts, but also ran into the industrial sections of the city as well. Not a big fan of desolate streets on a lazy Sunday in the industrial sections, especially when you feel unwanted in some levels. I thought of quitting at mile 15, but after finishing 50 marathons, I should know better not to give up hope. The aid stations were adequate with water, Gatorade, and enthusiastic volunteers that made the later miles more tolerable. I am thankful for the pretzels at mile 25, since my stomach was grumbling and my sanity was starting to wain a bit. Thankful for the Tulsa Police who made sure that the runners were safe from crazy ass drivers. Seeing the finish line area, as I approached from the top of the hill, was a sight for sore legs. I picked up the pace and saw a few my friends waiting for me there. After turning the corner and saw that fabulous finish line in sight, it was clear to me that all that hard work paid off and I crossed off OK at this marathon! I wouldn't say that this marathon wasn't as bad as people would say, but the hills made it more challenging than I would have liked it to be. Maybe it's because I have ran 2 marathons the weekend before in Richmond VA and the Outer Banks NC before and the marathon traveling in between took its toll. Thankful that I got in under 7 1/2 hours to receive an official time. I would recommend this marathon if you love the challenge of hills and more hills. Granted that I have more training to do in the future, the lure of the Marathon will forever persist within me. Thank you to the Route 66 Marathon also for the Maniac Corner, which was nearby the finish line. Although there was not much stuff left there when I went, it was good to see friends there before they left to do other things. I received my custom made Marathon Maniac Route 66 marathon finisher's medal and that was awesome. Many fun times here and hope to return here after finishing my 50 states quest and run this one again to see my extended family again. Run more! B read more

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11/21/2010 Yay! State No. 15 off the map. I came into Tulsa on a ultra compact turn-around trip to attend the 2010 Route 66 Marathon. R66 Marathon is a smaller race of about 10K. Mostly 1/2 marathoners and it is on a out-and-back course. Love: Great crowd support and warm welcome from all volunteers and organizers Bands along the way Medal (awesome medal) Center of the Universe detour: extra 0.3 M at mile 12.5. I realized that this was not a PR course and so the extra 0.3 (and the special coin you receive for running it) was well worth the effort Pre and Post race village. Food, music, gear, and BEER! Didn't love: Hills. First half was full of short rollers and a few big climbs at 1, 10 mile split, and 13. Winds: OMG, the winds were crazy! Concrete. I realize there isn't much one can do about this but it is hard on the knees when most of the course is on concrete roads. Tight Streets. First half is a slow crowded jog as there are too many runners (combined with all the 1/2ers). I'd suggest staging more waves at the start next year. Tips: Stay at the Hotel Ambassador. Nice upscale hotel very reasonably priced and only 0.4 M from start line. read more

Route 66 Marathon - my spinner - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ran the Route 66 Half Marathon this weekend to get OK off my half marathon state list. Apparently the weather didn't get the memo and decided to be 22* at the start. The first few miles, expect some hills. After mile 5, it flattens out before you get some more. The half and full marathons split right after mile 12 with plenty of signage and volunteers to make sure you go the right way. Make sure you register before the suggested date if you're a Half Marathon fanatic, marathon maniac or 50 State Marathon club- you get a special bib and access to to the Marathon Maniacs Corner at the start and finish. Only downside was the medal we got for 1/2 Fanatics had the date of the race as 11/23/12 and not 11/24/13. Getting out of the finish wasn't a problem, just wish I would have known where the shuttles were to get a ride back tithe hotel since it was so cold this year. Must do race for sure!! read more

Route 66 Marathon - Route 66 Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Even though the half marathon portion doesn't really run that much along Route 66, it's still nice to celebrate the Mother Road. This was only my second half, but the crowd and spectator support was tops. I don't know if any other city could match the energy and support Tulsans (and visiting guests) showered on the runners; all along the route, people were cheering, and more importantly, offering things like bananas or Kleenex to runners (Guy with the box of tissues in Maple Ridge, you are my hero, and because of you, I didn't snot rocket into someone's yard). It really warmed my overworked and rapidly beating heart to see Tulsa come out and support all of the runners. The scenery was lovely because the course went through downtown and midtown, but it was hilly (frowny panting face), so heads up, out-of-towners. The Expo was nice, but it seemed smaller this year (i.e. not as many freebies as last year). Also, it was kind of strangely set up, with packet pickup on one side of the room, and shirt pickup on the complete opposite side. I suppose this would encourage people to walk through the Expo and look around, or maybe the organizers figured runners would have the stamina to walk from one end to the other. Other than the setup of the Expo, the organization of the race was great. It was very easy to register and pay for the race, and I got timely email updates (sometimes too many) in the lead up to race day. Packet pick-up was easy, and the starting and finish line festivities weren't overly chaotic. Also, more importantly, there were enough beverages at each water stop, and at the end of the race (Learn from this, Tulsa Run). TL;DR: Overall, this is a great race! It's organized, draws the support of Tulsans, and there is food and beverage at the end! read more

"Get out of bed" they said. "It's only 25 degrees and windy" they said. "Run 13.1 miles" they said I don't know who these insane people are or why I listened to them - but I completed the Route 66 Half Marathon of 2013. Lots of awesome changes to the course, including a dynamic new finish line at Guthrie Green, and very well organized. This was my second half marathon and my first in Tulsa. The Route 66 process was made easy as pie for the runners. Registration was very simple - just bring your ID to the expo and get your race day packet. I was a little underwhelmed by the expo but maybe that's because I just came from a HUGE race in the Rock n' Roll Marathon in St. Louis. I did pick up some gloves on sale from Fleet Feet's booth - which were essential for race day. The expo was also near the starting line so you could definitely fly into Tulsa for the weekend and never need a car. Race Day. I love the 8 am start! No need to start any earlier! The starting line had 4 corrals siphoned off by fencing and further organized into pace groups. Really clear instructions, really easy starting process. The gun sounded and we were off! My goal was to hit under 2 hours and I started at a blazing pace, caught up in the race day festivities. The course takes you from downtown Tulsa southwards, winding through beautiful Maple Ridge, crossing over to Utica Square, near Cascia Hall, the Philbrook Museum, back through Maple Ridge to the River, up to Brookside, where you hit the halfway point, and then back to Riverside for a windy trek along the mighty Arkansas to Route 66. The course was a bit hillier than I expected by it really evened out at the halfway mark, just when I was starting to realize that the cold really does effect your energy levels. There was a desperate stretch from about mile 5 to mile 7.5 where I frantically searched for a course-approved port-a-potty. Sweet relief came upon entry to Brookside. The Route 66 half marathon course shows Tulsa in a very flattering light. We ran through some posh neighborhoods, fancy private schools, upscale shopping districts, and world class parks. As we faced the wind along Riverside running north, we came to the iconic Route 66 bridge, a highlight of the run. Then a tough uphill battle for the last 2 miles until we raced through the recently revived Brady Arts District to the finish line. The announcer called my name as I surged to the corner of Cameron and MLK Blvd and crossed the finish line, 1h 54m! A metal blanket (yes, that is the official term), a bottle of water, chocolate milk and a banana helped me regain some sense of normalcy. A nice shiny medal didn't hurt. As I waited for friends to cross the finish line, an AWESOME playlist blasted from the Guthrie Green. Seriously, nice job on the music. I couldn't stop groovin'. It was really nice to end the race at such a family friendly, spectator designed finish line. The Guthrie Green seems like it was designed to host the post-race festivities. Great changes to the Route 66 course, well organized, convenient. Wish it was a bit earlier in the year to accommodate for weather and maybe the expo could be spruced up a bit. I plan on running again next year! read more

This race was a combined marathon/half marathon and 5K race and I did the half marathon. Pre-Race: It's fairly well organized with many of the marathon staples: pre-race pasta dinner, fairly convenient expo, centrally located start and finish lines. There is also nice organization with pre and post race shuttles to the downtown hotels. Race: I mostly liked the course, but agree with Jeff on the abundance of hard concrete running. There's not a lot of spectacular scenery, but there are some nice sections through neighborhoods at the beginning as well as along the Arkansas river in the second half. It's challenging enough with some small hills in the first part although none of these are too bad. A fair number of people lined the course and water stops were adequate. Several bands also were set up at various parts which made for some entertainment. My one complaint would be the out and back loop of the course for miles 10-12 (this was a stretch where you run out on one side of the road then back on the other lane........this is a long-running course complaint of mine, it seems to lack some imagination in setting up the route). Post Race: It's always a plus when they serve free beer after the race and there was a pretty impressive post-race spread: pizza, mongolian BBQ, burritos, etc. The medal was also a nice touch; since I'm distracted by shiny moving objects, a spinning medal in the form of a wheel is just perfect. read more

It is a great marathon/half marathon. The only reason for the 4 star is I HATE the corrals starting at different times. We had to be in our corral at 7:45am but didn't actually start til 8:20am. That's a long time to wait in the cold. My legs and feet were freezing and it made it hard to run for the first mile or so. I also don't like that we don't get finisher shirts. They give out jackets which are OK but how many jackets do you really need. I prefer a nice t-shirt. I wear the OKC marathon t-shirts all the time and it is like advertising for them. We did the ultra marathon last year. The ultra marathon is an amazing thing. It is the shortest ultra in the US. Ultra means it is longer than a regular marathon. This one is only 3 blocks longer and you get a coin at the top of the extra distance to prove you did it. You can decide at the last minute if you want to do it. It is close to the finish line so you know how tired you are before you head up the hill. The weather last year was freezing cold with strong winds. The support last year was awful so I'm kinda surprised we decided to do this one again. I'm sure the weather played a big role in how many people were out there giving out free stuff. We did the half this year. This year it was perfect weather. The support was great. There were lots of people out there giving out beer, bloody marys, Fireball shots and jello shots. They could have more food at the drink stations. I have to say, the Gatorade was awesome. Generally at races it is watered down. They didn't water it down and it tasted great. The medals are amazing. The best I have seen. There was tons of pizza and drinks and other food at the finish line. We were each given 2 tickets for free beer. I think we will be doing this one again soon. read more

This marathon should first be STOPPED. This year 2014 the routes closed down a major portion of the city. Thousands of residences felt trapped in their homes. Could not get to neighborhood businesses. The business lost income from lack of customers. They in turn sent workers home who lost incomes. It cost this city thousands of dollars in police costs. I can only imagine how much money is lost. Add it up and Im sure the loss was more then the money raised. I personally was inconveined as I traveled through out my area of town. I hit numerous road blocks, police directing over the crossings on main streets, backing up traffic. The two businesses had both seen loss to their stores. Substanital enough they sent workers home without pay. These workers im sure could have used the money. I know I say dozens of officers directing traffic, workers putting up and taking down barriers. How much money did this cost the city? All so a few could run in the mid of winter and raise a few dollars. I think your race has served its term. Now stop the madness. read more

There is nothing I enjoy more than running, and this race was one of the most fun and rewarding runs I've ever run. I've always wanted to run a half marathon, and perhaps one day will run the big race. As my first half, it lived up to my expectations and exceeded them. I already run quite a bit, so I didn't train per se. In fact, the longest run I ran in the weeks before the race was the week before and that was for about seven miles. (My longest ever before was a little over 12 miles.) Race day was pretty frigid... it was about 25 degrees. Thankfully, it was not too icy. It almost added to the excitement though - as race time approached, everyone was jumping up and down just to stay warm. The cold made it a little difficult to feel completely stretched out, but I felt warm enough when I started the race. The half runs through some beautiful parts of Tulsa - if you were from out of town, you'd get to see a good chunk of what's worth seeing. You ran out of downtown toward Cascia Hall, through several historic neighborhoods, through Woodward Park, down Brookside, back down Riverside, ending with a long stretch down 11th street (route 66). Truly, a beautiful course. Tulsa did a great job supporting this race - many parts of the course were lined with people cheering. That's pretty impressive for 25 degrees. That was one of the most special parts - you definitely felt like you were apart of something very big. The race ended downtown, quite a few blocks north of where it started. I learned a valuable lesson about parking near the finish, not the start. After running 13.1 miles (and a decent walk from a parking lot to the start before the race) I got to walk at least another mile to my car. To everyone who has run a marathon, you are not impressed. For the rest of us, that's very painful! Overall, it was a very special experience and something that I will always remember and cherish. Living at TU, I even got to watch the full runners at about the 20 mile mark. Pretty inspirational. If you haven't run a half marathon, you should seriously consider the Route 66. If you have, you should still consider the Route 66. This is an event Tulsa can be very proud of. read more

I ran the Route 66 Marathon as my *first marathon.* As a first time marathoner, you get a special "My First Marathon" race bib and a special medal that also says "My First Marathon" - and this year, it was the only medal that was GOLD (made with real flakes of gold, i am told). Plus you get tons of attention and get to look like a bada-- standing in the corrals with all the half-marathoners. Expo: I thought it was a decent size. You could get any last minute things you needed for the race or sign up for your next race. There were also lots of freebieessssss!! Gloves, first aid kits, Gatorade, sports beans - good stuff. Run: Oh man. First 13 miles were fine. If you're running the full marathon - lucky you. They saved all the good hills for the last half. The route was nice - it ran through a lot of Tulsa, rather than just up and down Riverside like most races. Running through neighborhoods was a nice change of scenery and the people who live in the neighborhoods were AMAZING. Tons of cheering, free beer, funny/encouraging signs - much needed during a 26.2 mile run. The volunteers and spectators were AMAZING. It was below freezing 3/4 of the time and everyone was still out there cheering and smiling. Fellow runners were also amazing - encouraging everyone and telling each other how well they were doing. I know I keep using the word "amazing," but seriously, there's no other word for them. I also did the detour to the "Center of the Universe" (after running 26.2 miles, might as well add another 0.3 miles, right?). They made you run up the hill (there was beer at the bottom, though! if that's your thing), turn around, and run back up the hill again to get back onto the course. You get your special Center of the Universe coin right before heading back onto the main course on the way to the FINISH LINE. Post race festivities: After you finish, you have the option to take the usual picture with your medal and then you go into a tent with food (spaghetti from Spaghetti Warehouse) and drinks (where was the Muscle Milk?!!? I probably finished too late. Sigh). OU Physical Therapy was also there...but they were packing up when I got there (GR.). I heard there were festivities on the Guthrie Green, but I was too dazed to explore and just left (kicking myself now. Secretly hoping they were all packed up by the time I left, so I don't feel like I missed out on anything). Medal: It was GOLD!! The date, however, is wrong. Route 66 says they're looking into it... I worked the expo and talked to people who came from around the country (and even OUT of the country) just to run this race because it was on their "Bucket List." Afterward, I heard/read a lot about the race and how awesome everyone/everything was. I have to agree. I'm so, SO proud of Tulsa. read more

Very disappointed! We get to packet pickup, and there are no jackets left for men's large and above. Then they have you go stand in a long line for exchange where they try and pawn off a women's jacket. Why do you register three months in advance? They take my information, and will supposedly mail me one. I'm not holding my breath. Then the race. I will say the course was beautiful, and the volunteers fantastic! 4 start corrals - thank goodness for chip timing. Hit the start line 28 minutes after the original start. Aid stations had Gatorade or water, and once I saw GU but was past it by the time I realized it was there. Long backups at every port-a-john along the course. If you were one of their "Maniacs" you got all kinds of special treatment that everyone else pays for. Post race was crappy spaghetti, Gatorade, water or soda, and little packets of cranberries or cashews. Highly disappointing especially after you see the "Maniacs" getting bar-b-que sandwiches and who knows what else that everyone else paid for. read more

The 2013 run was about the coldest marathon I've ever run. They modified the course from the past few years and now ends at Guthrie Green. It still seemed as hilly as the past few years but the support is wonderful and the race committee does a great job in accommodating our running clubs, the Marathon Maniacs and the Half Fanatics. Another job well done Tulsa and hopefully it won't be that cold in successive years. read more

I love this race because I achieved a marathon PR. Honestly, well organized and professional though. Windy as hell, but I blame god for that, not the race organizers. I will be back next year! read more