Tulsa Run To Go On Rain Or Shine

Rain is not the only concern for the 7,500 people participating in the Tulsa Run this weekend.

Safety also is a high priority, particularly after the deadly crash at the Oklahoma State University homecoming parade a week ago.

More than 4,500 runners are expected to tackle the 9-mile race course Saturday cutting through parts of downtown and midtown Tulsa.

As long as there is no have lightning, the race will go on Saturday morning.

JD Stigall hasn't missed the Tulsa Run since it started 38 years ago.

“Just keep moving, that's what I'm doing," Stigall said.

She's seen the race course change slightly over the years and endured everything from ice to heat.

Water main projects on 21st Street between Utica and Peoria Avenues are forcing the race course to move up two blocks. Runners on the 15K course will make right turns onto 19th and cut through the neighborhoods.

Race director Heath Aucoin sent notices about road closures and barricades to neighbors three weeks ago and hopes no body is surprised on race day when runners fill the streets.

He says it’s all about safety.

“We're just really buttoning up the plan we've had in the past,” he said.

The Tulsa Police Department will have 90 officers on duty to block roads, escort runners and assist course marshals. Police say the last thing anyone should do is try to move or go around a barricade.

“Don't try to negotiate race course on your own,” TPD Sgt. Shane Tuell said. “There's going to be an officer somewhere nearby. Take the time. Go ask them, ‘What's the safest way from point A to point B?’ And the officer that's there will be well versed on how to get you to where you need to go safely."

With all the preparation and training in place,  everyone hopes the weather will hold.

“We want to put on a good race and get everybody on the course,” Aucoin said.

Registration still is open tonight at the Cox Business Center at packet pick up.

“Hopefully the weather holds up, it clears out and we can have a really good time tomorrow."

“I'm going to start. I'm going to finish.” Stigall said. “It might be a little wet, but that's the way it is."