Voted a “must-run marathon” by the Runner’s World magazine, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon began with 168 seconds of silence to honor those killed in the 1992 OKC bombing. The race was packed with spectator support and is also a Boston-qualifying USATF sanctioned event on a certified 26.2 mile single-loop course that begins at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and winds through downtown, Bricktown, past the State Capitol, through northeast Oklahoma City and through some of the city’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. Along the way, 168 banners –each bearing the name of one lost in the bombing –reminded everyone of the reason “Why We Run.” This year brought in 30,000 runners including one local from Checotah, Margaret Casey.

“Anyone can rise up to honor those lives lost that dreadful day, and then step up to be kind every day,” Casey said.

Casey demonstrates this truth on a regular basis as she works for the City of Checotah throughout the week and runs races regularly on the weekends.

On April 19, 1995, all Oklahomans united in the face of devastation and destruction when an act of violence ripped through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in OKC. With acts of service, honor and kindness, Oklahomans responded in what is still considered the Oklahoma Standard.

The Oklahoma Standard is seen in locals in the community, at work and at school who serve as a team. Anyone can show up to serve by:

• Volunteering in their community

• Socializing and walking dogs at their local shelter • Donating blood at the next school blood drive

• Picking up trash downtown or around the neighborhood

• Offering to get groceries, or run an errand for elderly neighbors “Each day we can choose to make a difference,” Casey said. “What a great weekend we had at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon! If you haven’t had this experience, add this race to your to do list. You won’t be disappointed! So much happens all weekend to honor the 168 who lost their lives during the bombing 26 years ago.

“My 5K race on Saturday was great! Then Sunday’s run is always a little different from the atmosphere and adrenaline of all the runner and spectators. The aide stations are crazy and so many goodies along the way. The first part of my race was great and on point, but the second half and on to the finish line was tough, especially when you get to the 168 photos of the ones lost in 1995. But this is ‘Why We Run’ and why we volunteer too.”