26-04-2025
In town for the OKC Memorial Marathon? Here's 3 things to do, see before or after the race
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon races are kicking off this weekend with several road closures and weather warnings, but your marathon weekend doesn't have to be covered in a raincloud.
Whether you're cheering on someone in the race, looking for a post-race snack, or need to release your mind after the race, the Marathon's footprint gives lots of chances to enjoy some of Oklahoma City.
Here are some ways to enjoy the marathon regardless of whether you're running in it or on the sidelines.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is a way to commemorate the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Building. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the bombing.
Whether you're visiting the city or you're a resident, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is a great reminder of why the race continues each year. All racers receive one free admission to the museum on Saturday and Sunday.
Several other museums are along the marathon lines, so whether you're sitting at mile one next door to the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame or mile 25 near the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, you're not far from a museum downtown.
But suppose you want to leave the marathon path for an experience further away. In that case, the American Banjo Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, or the First Americans Museum are also great ways to explore the city.
Getting hungry, waiting for your friend or family member to run past your checkpoint? Because of the 26-mile stretch, several options are available to eat on Marathon day, whether you're looking for a hearty meal or a quick bite.
Vegetarian options can be found at The Red Cup on N Classen, but if you want to enjoy Oklahoma City's diverse food market, run to Thai Kitchen on Dean A McGee or Tayta Latin Cuisine on Hudson.
Related: 10 restaurants along the marathon route to try
Happening at the same time just a few blocks south of the start point of the marathon is the Festival of the Arts at Bicentennial Park. At the festival, vendors and artists will be displaying their work and creativity on stages and in booths.
The event is heralded as one of the top 25 fine arts festivals in the nation. Whether you're looking for new art to put up, want to clear your mind with a walk through the park, or need a quick bite from the best places to eat at the Festival, there's much to enjoy at the Festival of the Arts.
This year marks the 59th annual Festival, which is entirely hosted by Arts Council OKC, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. The four-day festival is an entirely cashless event.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Memorial Marathon 2025: Things to do, see in downtown OKC after race
