Tulsa, Okla. (Nov. 7, 2011) – Runners and spectators from across the country and world will attempt to set a world record at the beginning of the Williams Route 66 Marathon, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, on Sunday, Nov. 20. At the race’s start line, participants can choose to do ‘The Running Man’ dance to celebrate the spirit and fun of the marathon.
Spectators, friends and family are also invited to participate in the dance to increase the chances of obtaining the record. The Running Man record attempt will take place at approximately 7:55 a.m. at the start line of the race, position at 7th and Main streets in downtown Tulsa.
“We consider our marathon a celebration: a celebration of training, of hard work, and of accomplishment,” said Chris Lieberman, executive director of Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc. “This world-record attempt is a fun way to celebrate running and relieve a little stress at the starting line.”
The marathon, in its sixth year, will host an expected 12,000 participants with an expected economic impact of nearly $7 million from direct, indirect and induced effects. Saturday races include the 5K, one-mile fun run and Mascot Dash. Sunday races include the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay. The races benefit the Tulsa Area United Way.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, the 5-kilometer run/walk (3.2 miles) is scheduled for 8 a.m. The one-mile fun run/walk is set for 9 a.m. The Mascot Dash is set for 9:30 a.m.
On Sunday, Nov. 20, the marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and marathon relay (5-person team completes 26.2 miles) all begin at 8 a.m.
The course depends on the race, but the marathon course starts in downtown Tulsa, winds through the Brookside and Swan Lake neighborhoods, The University of Tulsa campus and the Riverside area. More than 40 bands, disc jockeys and local entertainment acts will play and cheer for runners along the course, at the finish line and at the post-race party. Online registration is open until midnight on Sunday, Nov. 13; then participants can register at the health and fitness expo.
Walkers are welcome in all Williams Route 66 races. While all marathon, half marathon and marathon relay finishers receive finisher medals, special medals are available for any runner/walker completing his/her first marathon. Additionally, a VIP area called Maniac Corner is available for members of Marathon Maniacs and the 50 States Marathon Club. In 2011, the Williams Route 66 Marathon is offering special finisher medals for members of these two elite clubs.
The Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo, presented by St. John Health System, is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20 at the Tulsa Convention Center. Packet pickup for all participants and volunteers is also located at the expo. The two-day expo is free and open to the public.
Race-day events include a post-race party and classic car show. All participants in the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will receive a newly-designed Route 66 Marathon medal, and the St. John Kids Club will present all participants in the 5K and Fun Run ages 17 and under with a special kids medal.
Approximately 1,500 volunteers are needed to produce the all-volunteer marathon and family of events. Volunteers check-in participants, pass out T-shirts, man water and Gatorade stops, provide course direction, pass out finisher medals, and more. Those interested in volunteering can click here.
Other weekend events include the pasta party at Cain’s Ballroom on Saturday night, where the annual Kjell Tovander award will be presented to an inspirational runner. The post-race party, complete with food, beverages and entertainment takes place after the Sunday races, along with the Classic Car Show.
