Where we train for the Memorial Marathon - The Landrunners

Where We Train For Marathons
In Oklahoma City

The Runner and Landrunners Oklahoma City Running Club members have coordinated Marathon Training beginning with the inaugural marathon in April, 2001. Here are Landrunners’ running spots for our marathon training.

Lake Hefner Trails, six miles northwest of downtown Oklahoma City, is by far the most popular Oklahoma City running spot. Runners meet at Stars & Stripes Park on the south side of the lake and run short or long. It is certified 9.6 miles of asphalt completely circling the lake with markers every half mile. Brent Gaddis, The Runner, 9644 N. May, generously provides water every three miles. Portable toilets are along the route. Lake Hefner running trails are shared with walkers and bicycles. To get there, from NW 63rd and Portland go north on Portland for a mile and run right into Stars & Stripes Park. There is plenty of parking. Other attractions at the lake are playgrounds, Lake Hefner Golf Course, picnic areas, fishing docks, sail boarding, boating, restaurants and ball fields.

Lake Overholser, seven miles west of downtown Oklahoma City, was the first and only running spot for early day runners. The 8.3 miles of scenic asphalt roadway makes it still the number two most popular running area. To get there, at NW 10th and Overholser Drive go north on Overholser Drive about 100 yards and merge left on to East Lakeshore Drive. Coming west on 39th Street go through Bethany and off at Lakeshore Drive. Lakeshore Drive takes runners to the parking area at the picnic shelter. As runners cross the rustic metal bridge on the north side of Lake Overholser they are running on old Highway 66 with it’s original hard surface. The roadway is shared with light vehicle traffic and no traffic control, but drivers are used to seeing multiple runners and are courteous. Portable toilets are around the lake. There are no mile markers. Water provided by The Runner.

Oklahoma River Trails, near downtown Oklahoma City, are the newest running areas for recreational runners and are nearby for city visitors. The downtown section of the North Canadian River is affectionately named Oklahoma River. On the north bank of Oklahoma River are six miles, and on the south bank seven miles, of trails. Both sides are level with little change in grade. To get to there: from I-40 and Agnew go south on Agnew, cross the river, and turn left at the entrance to the Park. From there we run the south side of the river on the seven miles of trails. There are portable toilets in the parks along the seven miles. The Runner provides water stops every three miles. Markers are every half mile.

Edmond Hills are an unofficial running area for the brave. Runners can run rolling hills to there heart’s content on asphalt country roads. A favorite run for marathon strength training is ten miles on Sooner Road hills. To get there go north on I-35 and off at Exit 141. Cross west over I-35 and go about a block to the first traffic light which is Sooner Road. Turn north on Sooner Road and go a quarter mile to the Petroleum Club parking lot on the west side of Sooner Road. Park there and run north on Sooner Road, out and back, as far as you like. A favorite distance is five miles north, then turn and retrace your steps back to the parking lot. Toilet facilities are at the Hamilton Inn, a half mile from start/stop, and a friendly Quick Stop store at the five mile turn around. Our friend Brent Gaddis of The Runner, provides water stops every three miles.

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Course provides the ultimate in marathon training. Runners will run one 14 mile run on the north part of the course, starting and finishing at Stars & Stripes Park. Also two 20 mile runs will start at NW 6 and Robinson, actual start line for Memorial Marathon, and finish at NW 5 and Broadway, finish line for Memorial Marathon. Water stops every three miles courtesy of The Runner. Other facilities at Quick Stops or fast food restaurants.

For more running trails in Oklahoma City go to Landrunners Oklahoma City Running Club website, okcrunning.org, and click Places To Run. For information or comments e-mail The Runner.