Each year, the Oklahoma City (OKC) Memorial Marathon is a signature event bringing together athletes and spectators from all over the world to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the tragic events of the1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
This year's OKC Memorial Marathon was the biggest celebration of life yet, resulting in runners from all 50 states and 17 countries. Each year, the races begin at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum's “Gates of Time,” which remind participants why we run. Over 25,972 runners participated in this year's Run to Remember, the most ever for this special event.
There may not be a bigger fan of Oklahoma than Al Maeder.
Maeder, a physical therapist at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital - Midwest, grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and moved to Oklahoma City in 2020. He participated in the OKC Memorial Marathon for the first time in 2018 and explained that it was not his best race. However, Maeder has come back stronger than ever in recent years, winning the 2022 & 2024 Half Marathon, and the full marathons in 2023 and now 2025 (a time of 2:26:54 this year).
“I love how many people from all walks of life come run, cheer and volunteer. I see many co-workers, friends, family and public officials,” said Maeder. “It feels like the entire city and our people just come together for the Marathon. I love being around so many people all running on the same team for Oklahoma City and in remembrance of those lives lost and changed. You can feel this special aura in the air, from the moment of silence at the beginning pre-race to the finish of the race.”
Maeder can often be spotted running after work through the local Midwest City neighborhoods, and team members often roll down their car windows to encourage him. From his incredible care for our patients each day to his achievements on the pavement, our health ministry is so proud of Maeder.
Congrats to him and all the participants in the 2025 #RunToRemember.
