The annual Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa announced a few days ago it is going virtual in November because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The race announced on its website:
While we know it’s not quite the same as an in-person race, we believe that the best way to keep everyone safe and still experience some of that Route 66 magic is to move to a virtual event. This isn’t just going to be any old virtual race, though – your race packet will come packed with surprises, as well as a specially designed hoodie and medal!
This was supposed to be our 15th-anniversary event, so it’s especially hard to let go. With that in mind, we’re calling this our 14 ½-year anniversary and celebrating the main event next year! Registered participants will receive an email to select which option they would like to choose.
The options are to participate in the virtual event, donate to the Kicks for Kids charity or defer the fees to the 2021 or 2022 race.
The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in October also is going virtual for the same reason.
According to a report in the Tulsa World:
“It just seems like it’s an unsafe time at this point. We were super hopeful at the beginning, but we are going to move to virtual,” Tulsa Route 66 executive director Destiny Green said. “It was a huge strain on our resources for the city with the police department and medical with cases going through the roof and would everyone be able to handle that come November?”
Next year’s race is Nov. 20-21.
Thousands participate in the marathon, half-marathon and other offshoot races each year. The course includes various sections of Route 66 near the Arkansas River, downtown and 11th Street.
(Image from the 2011 Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa by Chris Barnes via Flickr)