Why We Run: Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon Races Begin

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon is Sunday, but hundreds gathered to run Saturday participating in the Senior Race, Kid's Race and the 5k.

News 9's Jordan Ryan asked participants why they Run to Remember.

"[I run] to remember all of the people that passed away, and just to see how beautiful Oklahoma is," 7-year-old runner Brueck said.

People come from all around to run and to remember.

"This is our brother Mike Michael George Thompson, he worked for Social Security and he passed away in the bombing," said Lisa and Jim Thompson.

While the marathon is a memorial, some come to run to achieve their goals.

"Just to prove to myself I could do it," 89-year-old runner Vera said.

One runner is challenging himself to participate in races in all 50 states.

"I've been tracking the number of states that I've run in, and this will be the 50th," Nirav Dalal said. "So I've brought my friends with me."

Some make this event a family tradition.

"Just to run with my family and just be reminded not what the day was, but what it's about," Todd Larkin said, who is running with his son. "Oklahoma came together."

People participate in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon for a number of reasons, but they all come away with inspiration and a taste of Oklahoma hospitality.