Route 66 Marathon Reviews

  Great course - HILLY

By Katie about 2023

Review

Tulsa put on a wonderful event, truly. Police presence was amazing and the expo, swag, organization, energy, course - it was all super impressive. I'd totally run it again (we had a VRBO on the course, so I got to see my friends and family 4 times without them ever leaving the front porch. :) However (and this is a big however): it is hilly. And I train in hills because I live in hilly Texas. I underestimated the toll it would take - the first 9 miles are hilly and the last 3-4 are as well. I PRed by 5 minutes but had trained and planned to run at least five-seven minutes faster than that. The hills are no joke.

  A pretty good local race

By Mike about 2023

Review

The expo was nicer than many these days, especially after COVID, and the light jacket instead of a shirt was a nice bonus, but seemed a bit of a downgrade compared to what their website showed for last year's race gear.

The course is hilly, especially at the beginning and the end and I did not give in sufficient respect for that in preparation. Crowd support was limited, but it was drizzling all day long, so that's to be expected.

The finish line seemed a bit disorganized and haphazard, again perhaps in part because of the weather. I finished around 100 overall and they were already asking people to take water OR Gatorade, not both, for fear of running out.

Race Tips

Respect the hills and don't go out too fast, because more are coming, when you want to see them least.

  Rolling hills but great support

By Wer about 2022

Review

Easy access to corrals and great volunteers. Well run race. Great embroidered zip up instead of a tshirt- classy.

Race Tips

Expect cold and rolling hills. Lots of water stations and cheer zones.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Many hotels right by start- you can leave 15 minutes before start if it's cold.

  Disappointing year

By Anonymous about 2021

Review

Route 66 has always been a hometown favorite but this year, maybe due to COVID it did not live up to the hype it's always been given. Very disappointed overall. The lack of volunteers, runners and community support unfortunately ruined the race experience this year.

Race Tips

This is a hilly course that runs through some beautiful neighborhoods in Tulsa and alongside the Arkansas river and through the University of Tulsa campus.

  Love the way the city gets behind the runners.

By RRT about 2017

Review

Love the way the city gets behind the runners. Different neighborhoods have music, drinks (even a few shots :) ) It is just a fun race.

Race Tips

The 2nd half of the race is the toughest. At mile 14 or so.... for almost two miles is a gradual uphill run. I have ran this one twice and that area kills me every time.

  

By jg about 2016

  

By bp about 2016

Review

I liked the swag and the people are so nice and helpful. I have no dislike.

Race Tips

Come early so that you can park close and have time to get ready for the race.

  

By BB about 2016

Review

I've ran it for several years always a great experience. I love this town. I wish we had more vendors generally its always the same ones. Maybe we could get more locals interested. Give them a discount in the building to set up there goods. Love to help out our own.

Race Tips

The one thing you cannot expect is what the weather will be like. I ran in all kinds here in Tulsa. That's the beautify of it. it's the challenge to get through what ever comes your way.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I live here so I'm not so great with hotel discounts. But I would like to see in our packet have some kind of a discount for a item that's says Route 66 Run, so many family's come and cannot afford to buy any extra logo t-shirts etc. so expensive.

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By es about 2016

Race Tips

Hills. Go easy

  

By AL about 2016

Review

Great Atmosphere, crowd, everything is top notch, ran it 3 years in a row, does not disappoint!

Race Tips

Tulsa, you may think its flat, its not, lots of hills, so train for hills, also the weather, it can be cold, really cold, then again it could be warm, so pack for both cold and warm conditions!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Best place to park is near the finish line, the starting line (4) corrals is about a mile a way from the finish

  

By Steve about 2016

Review

Excellent start corral setup. Rest stops just where you need them. Awesome finisher zone and medals.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Park closer to the finish rather than the start.

  

By AS about 2016

Review

As a native Tulsa, I am biased, but this marathon is a blast. Tulsans are a special, sweet, fun breed, and the Route 66 really demonstrates that. The course is quite hilly (and I trained on Tulsa hills) but so much fun and such an inspiring tour of midtown Tulsa.

  

By April McNeeley about 2016

Review

The course was great! I was overwhelmed with the support from the community. I'll be back. Definitely my favorite marathon!!

  

By Jeff Bittle about 2016

Review

Challenging yet enjoyable. Great crowds even if the conditions happen to not be ideal. Bands along the course. It's the historic Route 66, what's not to like.

Race Tips

Train for hills. Race day temps probably won't be over 60 and could be in the 20's. Don't start out fast, the hills will catch up to you.

  

By Lisa about 2016

Review

Great race. Lots of music and large crowds!

Race Tips

It's Tulsa. So lots of Hills!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

book your hotel early!!!

  

By Anonymous about 2016

  

By Cliff about 2016

Review

Best finisher medal ever! Lots of music/crowd support for the 1st half of the race. After the split it get's a little lonely. Was way more hilly than expected. The detour is a neat feature to have as well.

Race Tips

The course is very hilly. Tulsa is not flat. Lots of rollers. It seemed to be mostly concrete too. Wear well cushioned shoes.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We arrived Friday night a watched the 5K Saturday morning. It's a good idea to do so because that is where the race finishes so you can plan meeting spots for your family. If you do both the 5k and marathon you get a nice pint glass.

  

By JA about 2015

Race Tips

Miles 21-23 have nasty hills, designed to break your spirit. Rolling hills throughout, but that stretch will test you.

  

By dmh about 2013

Review

Fun running on Route 66.

  

By Charles about 2013

Review

Great event, well organized with LOTS of volunteer support and plenty of water, potty, and medic stations along the course. Terrific fan turnout all along the course.

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

Loved the organizational details. Treated 50 staters and maniacs like royalty. Large expo w/ lots of deals if you want to shop. Tremendous medal! First time marathoners can get a special bib and medal! Nice post race set-up. Larger race of 2021 (full) and 4700 (half)

Race Tips

There are lots of hills. Most are short and none are really steep but they are relentless. Heard lots of comments regarding this so be forwarned. Only extended flat sections are 6-12 along riverside drive. We had brutal cold in 2013 but usually can expect perfect running temps.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Race already negotiated 3:00 late check-out w/ host hotels. ALL races should do this!!! Holiday Inn is literally 50 yards from start (and they have free airport shuttle). Downtown Tulsa is very quiet in evening. I ate every meal in hotel (decent restaurant so not a negative).

  

By EMR about 2013

Review

Loved the organizational details. Treated 50 staters and maniacs like royalty. Large expo w/ lots of deals if you want to shop. Tremendous medal! First time marathoners can get a special bib and medal! Nice post race set-up. Larger race of 2021 (full) and 4700 (half)

Race Tips

There are lots of hills. Most are short and none are really steep but they are relentless. Heard lots of comments regarding this so be forwarned. Only extended flat sections are 6-12 along riverside drive. We had brutal cold in 2013 but usually can expect perfect running temps.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Race already negotiated 3:00 late check-out w/ host hotels. ALL races should do this!!! Holiday Inn is literally 50 yards from start (and they have free airport shuttle). Downtown Tulsa is very quiet in evening. I ate every meal in hotel (decent restaurant so not a negative).