Beaver Native, Previous 5K Winner Returning To OKC Memorial Marathon

As the start of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon approaches, runners are making the final preparations to be able to take part.

For the winner of last year’s 5k and a member of the winning relay team back in 2019, Oklahoma native Luis Chavez said running comes naturally.

Although only 3 years old in when the Murrah Building Bombing took place, Chavez said he learned about the event heavily in school and runs to remember every year.

On top of his wins, Chavez has run the half and full marathons in the past as well.

“I feel like Oklahoma City has the crowd and atmosphere you need from mile one all the way to mile 20," Chavez said. “Some of these people may not be runners, but they are out there just cheering you on and that’s what you need when you’re going through all these miles."

Chavez said he's even traveled to run the Boston Marathon on four separate occasions, and although Oklahoma City may not be as large as Boston, the city's marathon weekend is right up there with the big cities.

Luis doesn't do it alone though, as every year he’s joined by his wife. 7 years ago, Luis proposed at the Survivor Tree before the half marathon began. 

Chavez said both running and this weekend are special to them. 

“We would always come back to do the half or the full or the relay or spectate, so I knew we could always come back every April and have that memory," Chavez said. “The Oklahoma City Marathon already has a good experience and memory so why not add onto that?” 

Luis and his wife have a two-year-old daughter who they hope will continue their family’s love for running. 

Chavez said he will be in Oklahoma City bright and early Saturday morning running the 5k, eager to win for a second time.