OKC Marathon security plans: What to know before you go

What to Know Before You Go: Security Plans, Road Closures, and Rules for OKC Memorial Marathon

Oklahoma City is getting ready for one of its biggest weekends of the year — the Memorial Marathon. Whether you’re running the race, cheering from the sidelines, or just trying to navigate around the route, police say there are a few things you need to know.

OKC Police: “Plan Ahead, Be Patient, Stay Aware”

The Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) says safety is the top priority as 25,000 runners, their supporters, and spectators fill the streets of Downtown OKC for the 25th annual Run to Remember. Six events take place throughout the race weekend which will be more people and traffic to the area.

Captain Audrea George of OKCPD’s Special Event Unit has been meticulously planning for the event, emphasizing the importance of attendees planning their routes in advance for six events that take place during race weekend.

Police Presence on the Course:

Extra officers will be stationed along the 26.2-mile course, backed up by local law enforcement agencies, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and volunteers trained as course marshals.

“I don't have enough officers to cover all those intersections, so some of the smaller intersections are covered by course marshals who are volunteers,” Capt. George explained, “they are donating their time, so, if you do come upon a course marshal, please treat them with respect.”

Police are also asking everyone to report anything suspicious and being kind to the volunteers and officers who are working on the event.

High-Tech Surveillance Overhead 

Along with boots on the ground, OKC police will have drones in the sky to help keep watch over the event. OKCPD’s ‘Drone as First Responder’ program can quickly get eyes on any potential issue, giving officers a faster way to respond if something goes wrong.

The real-time technology will be on standby during the marathon, used only when necessary. All personal-use drones are prohibited.

“If a drone goes down on the course, we have to treat it as a suspicious device,” Capt. George explained,” if that happens, we will have to close the course. So, we really don’t want that.”

Course Rules

Whether you’re running the full, half, quarter marathon or cheering along the route, there are strict rules on what can and can’t be brought onto the course:

NOT ALLOWED:

1. Drones
2. Backpacks, hydration vests, CamelBaks, rucksacks, air tanks
3. Inflatable costumes
4. Bikes, scooters, rollerblades
5. Strollers (except in the 5K or Kids Marathon — and even then, strollers must start at the back)
6. Pets (service dogs are allowed but require approval from race officials)

ALLOWED:

1. Running belts
2. Small handheld and clip-on water bottles (under one liter)
3. Wheelchairs for approved athletes (with helmets required)

The clear bags given to runners at registration will be the only bag accepted at Gear Check on race morning.

Road Closures You’ll Want to Know About

Road closures will begin as early as 4:30 a.m. Sunday near the start line at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Other roads along the course will close by 7:15 a.m. and will reopen in sections as runners pass through — with some of the first roads reopening around 8:30 a.m.

Police recommend giving yourself plenty of time if you’re heading downtown or anywhere near the course. If possible, take alternate routes.

Heavy traffic, large crowds, and road closures are expected at the following locations and events:

Friday, April 25:

Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo — 11:00am to 7:00pm

At the Oklahoma City Convention Center

Saturday, April 26:

Memorial Marathon Health & Fitness Expo — 8:00am to 6:00pm

At the Oklahoma City Convention Center

RACES:

The start line is between 5th and 6th streets on Harvey Avenue.  

Memorial 5K — 7:00am

Senior Marathon — 8:00am

Kids Marathon — 9:00am

Sunday, April 27:

Sunrise Service Under the Survivor Tree — 5:30am

The Survivor Tree is located at 620 N. Harvey Ave, OKC, OK.

RACES:

The start line is between 5th and 6th streets on Harvey Avenue.  

Wheelchair Division Marathon— 6:25am

Marathon Start — 6:30am

Half Marathon Start — 6:30am

Quarter Marathon Start — 6:30am

Finish Line Festival — 7:30am to 1:30pm

You can find the full list of road closures and the marathon map on the official OKC Memorial Marathon website.

Final Reminders

The message from police is simple:

Plan ahead. Pay attention. Speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

They’re also reminding spectators to keep personal items light, stay clear of blocked intersections, and give first responders space to do their jobs.

“We have to remember why we are running, and it is to remember those who lost their lives back in 1995,” Capt. George said. “We just want to make sure it is safe for everyone.”

Watch From Home

If you'd rather avoid the crowd and road closures, you can watch News9's live coverage of the marathon beginning at 6 a.m.