Williams Route 66 Marathon

November 21, 2010 - Tulsa, Oklahoma

 
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The Kjell Tovander Award

Learn more about the annual Kjell Tovander Award presented annually to the most inspirational participant in the Williams Route 66 Marathon.

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A Greener Williams Route 66 Marathon.

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Saturday, 07 August 2010 09:30

2010 Williams Route 66 Marathon Medals Revealed Featured

Written by Kristin Ware
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Race directors revealed the 2010 Williams Route 66 Marathon family of medals for the first time today, at the second annual Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon.  Finishers of the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay will all receive a medal unique to each race.  First-time marathoners receive the My First Marathon medal to commemorate their special accomplishment.

The 2010 medals draw on the history of Route 66 while incorporating the modern aspect of the race.  Classic cars and chrome wheels inspired the design, and the marathon and half marathon medals include a spinning feature, mimicking a wheel in motion.

Past medals are treasured by runners for the quality designs and historic ties to Route 66.  Marathon & Beyond additionally recognized the 2009 medals, placing the medal second in the country.  The 2010 medals follow in this tradition and are sure to be a hit with participants.

Last modified on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 15:07
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StJohn

The directors of Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc., are pleased to announce St. John Health System as the new presenting sponsor of the Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo.  The Williams Route 66 Marathon, held on Nov. 21, 2010, benefits the Tulsa Area United Way.

The Williams Route 66 Marathon Health, Fitness and Sustainability Expo, presented by St. John Health System, hosts more than 50 exhibitors featuring sports, fitness and sustainability items.  Packet pickup for all participants and volunteers is also located at the expo. Held at the Tulsa Convention Center, the two-day expo is free and open to the public.

“St. John Health System’s long-standing commitment to the health and wellness of our community makes this partnership with the Williams Route 66 Marathon a natural fit,” said David Pynn, St. John Health System chief operating officer.  “We are pleased to be a part of an event which motivates individuals of all ages and athletic capabilities to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the expo this year.  In addition to the exhibitors, attendees can view health-related seminars and obtain free health screenings and immunizations at the expo.

“In our fifth year of the Williams Route 66 Marathon, we are pleased to be gaining recognition as a world-class marathon,” said Chris Lieberman, executive director of Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc.  “We strive to promote healthy lifestyles to Tulsa and Oklahoma, and are proud to partner with St. John Health System to promote better living in our community.”

Expo hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19, 2010; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010.  The expo is located at the Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center, Tulsa, Okla., 74103.  The Williams Route 66 Marathon is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

About the Williams Route 66 Marathon

The Williams Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Okla., is set for Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, and the Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon is Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.  Events are held annually the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the first Saturday in August, respectively.  The fifth anniversary of the Williams Route 66 Marathon weekend includes a two-day health and fitness expo, pasta dinner, marathon, half marathon, five-person marathon relay, 5K run/walk, and a one-mile fun run/walk.  Post-race festivities include concerts and a classic car show.  To learn more about the events, sponsoring, training or volunteering, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call (918) 409-2828, or visit www.route66marathon.com and www.quartermarathon.com.

About St. John Health System

St. John Health System is an 84-year-old, not-for-profit Catholic healthcare system founded by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.

St John Health System operates hospitals in Tulsa, Owasso, Sapulpa and Bartlesville.  A fifth hospital is currently under construction in Broken Arrow.   Other subsidiaries of St. John Health System include OMNI Medical Group primary care physicians, St. John Physicians, Inc. multi-specialty group physician practice; St. John Urgent Care Centers, St. John Villas Senior Living Centers and medical complexes in South Tulsa and Claremore.

Last modified on Monday, 29 November 1999 18:00
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The board of directors of the Williams Route 66 Marathon proudly recognizes first-time marathoners with unique medals to commemorate this very important occasion.  For 2010, Williams Route 66 Marathon will also recognize another special group of runners: members of the Marathon Maniacs and the 50 States Marathon Club.

 

"Members of these clubs are truly dedicated to the sport of running," said Chris Lieberman, executive director of Tulsa Route 66 Marathon, Inc.  "These runners run multiple marathons in multiple states, sometimes back-to-back.  As a marathon, we wanted to provide the members of these clubs with something special."

Last modified on Sunday, 06 June 2010 23:01
Sunday, 11 July 2010 19:49

Book Your Room at the Host Hotel

Written by Kristin Ware
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The Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown returns as the host hotel for the 2010 Williams Route 66 Marathon. It is close to the start/finish and has sky bridge access to the Williams Route 66 Marathon Health and Fitness Expo.

 

The Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown will sell out again this year so register today!

Click here to book your room today.

 

You must register online using the link above to receive the special marathon rates and guaranteed late checkout on race day.

Doubletree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown

1.4 miles from start/finish
616 W. Seventh Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127
(918) 587-8000

Last modified on Sunday, 11 July 2010 20:01
Monday, 23 August 2010 20:38

Why we run: motivational friends

Written by Kristin Ware
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In fall 2009, three friends from the University of Oklahoma decided to take a girls' trip for a bonding experience and a break from classes.  The weekend involved a drive to Tulsa and participation in the 2009 Williams Route 66 Marathon family of events, and ended with a surprise that none of the women expected.

 Friends Chelsey Collins, Ferrin Amrine and Chelsea Jones became acquainted through OU athletics - Amrine and Jones as part of the cross country team and Collins as a member of the women's golf team.  They grew to be friends, however, after taking a fitness class together.  The three discovered a shared love of running and began running to and from class as a group.   The decision was made to travel to Tulsa to participate in the Williams Route 66 weekend.

"We were broke, but Ferrin was from Tulsa.  We love to run, and decided driving to Tulsa, crashing at her house, then running the various races would be a fun weekend," said Chelsey Collins, then an OU senior.

Amrine ran the 5K, Collins ran the half marathon, and Jones ran the marathon. 

"We weren't expecting a lot," said Amrine.  "We just wanted to go and have fun.  None of our friends and family were there to watch, it was just something fun.  Then, Chelsea Jones won the marathon.  She was the first woman to finish the race."

The race was Jones' first marathon.

"Going in, I wasn't sure if I would even finish," Jones said.  "There were times in the race when I thought I couldn't keep going, and I would just say a prayer, and keep moving."

Each runner credited the others for the ability to race and finish.

"The camaraderie was great," said Amrine.  "We are all such great friends now after bonding and motivating each other during training and during the races."

The women plan to participate in the 2010 Williams Route 66 races in November.  The goals this year are higher, however.  Amrine has registered for the half marathon while Collins and Jones are planning to run the marathon.

"My goal for this year is to qualify for the Olympic trials," Jones said.  She needs to shave only 15 minutes off her 2009 time to qualify for the trials.

"We all love to run, but driving to Tulsa that weekend was an impulse decision, that ended with a great outcome, " said Collins.  "What can I say?  You're only young once!"

 

Last modified on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:42
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Mile by mile Casey Bunch is transforming herself.

"I loved being able to test my body," said the 22-year-old. "Learning to run one mile was so difficult, then it became two, three and so on. That feeling of accomplishment is amazing."

Bunch started running just this year and after completing two 5K races and an 8K distance race, she was ready to increase her mileage and push herself even harder. The Williams Route 66 Quarter Marathon presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma was the perfect opportunity and the perfect distance - at approximately 6.05 miles or just under 10 kilometers.

Bunch tweeted a photo of herself crossing the finish line to qualify for a free registration to one of the Williams Route 66 Marathon races in November. As a result, she was selected and now has a new challenge to meet - train for and finish a half marathon in November.

This will be the Cleveland, Okla., native's longest distance to date, but she's depending on race day encouragement to help get her across the finish line.  

"The other runners are so encouraging and even volunteers helping out will give you that boost of encouragement that you need to just keep going when you think you are going to die," said Bunch.

Make plans to join Bunch on November 21 for any of the race day events by registering online at route66marathon.com before prices increase after September 30, 2010.
Last modified on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:42
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Shortly after Travis Owens began running he was encouraged by his friend to set a goal to run a marathon.

"At the time I thought he was nuts, but decided to do one anyway," said Owens. "The 2008 Route 66 Marathon was my first race ever. I chose it because it was close to home and my friend was running the half too."

Since completing the half marathon in 2008, the Tahlequah native has also completed four marathons, one of which was the last year's Williams Route 66 Marathon, and two ultra marathons.

The 46-year-old credits the Tulsa atmosphere for making the Route 66 Marathon an event worth repeating.

"Tulsa has great crowds that come out and support the runners," said Owens.

And Owens hopes those crowds will support him this year as he tries to break a 03:50 time for a new personal record.

For a chance to win your own free registration and have your photo appear on the website, post or tweet a picture of you in any of the Williams Route 66 Marathon shirts at any race besides the Route 66 races. And be sure to tell us when and where it was taken. A new winner will be chosen each month.

Last modified on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:43

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