History

The Route 66 Marathon made its inaugural run Nov. 19, 2006, with the slogan “Let our first marathon be your first marathon.” The event attracted approximately 3,000 participants in marathon, half-marathon and relay-race events.

Tulsa Route 66 Marathon Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The proceeds from its events benefit the Tulsa Area United Way. The executive director, Chris Lieberman says. “We’re going to use our events as a way to improve the health and quality of life of our entire community with educational programs extending into schools and creating a lasting impact from youth to adult.”

On Nov 22nd 2009, Zac Freudenburg won the Route 66 Marathon and broke the Guinness World Record for running a marathon while pushing a stroller with a time of 2:32:10. Second place finisher Michael Wardian

Michael Wardian

Michael Wardian is an American marathoner and ultra-marathoner. He won the 2008, 2009 and 2010 US 50 km championships. In 2008, he won the U.S. National 100 km championship. Wardian also is the 2007 JFK 50 Mile winner, and won the National Marathon in Washington D.C...

, completed the race with a time of 2:34:37. The previous Guinness World Record was set by Wardian and his older son Pierce at the 2007 Frederick Marathon in Virginia.

Route

The Williams Route 66 Marathon will continue to include the popular loops through downtown Tulsa and of course, Riverside Drive.

The course changes will also allow the marathon to stay north of 71st Street and Riverside Drive which will keep 71st Street and the 71st Street bridge open to traffic

The Swan Lake area will be located approximately 2.5 miles into the marathon and half marathon courses. Participants will travel through the Cascia Hall campus 3.75 miles into the marathon and half marathon courses.