Key Takeaways
Honoring Resilience
On April 19, 2025, Oklahoma City paused to mark the 30th anniversary of the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, a day that claimed 168 lives and reshaped our state’s heart. The Remembrance Ceremony, held indoors at First Church OKC due to inclement weather, was a solemn tribute featuring former President Bill Clinton as keynote speaker, 168 seconds of silence, and heartfelt remarks from survivors and families.
Just days later, from April 25-27, the 25th Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon will bring over 25,000 runners to our streets, a powerful “Run to Remember” that celebrates life and resilience. Leisa Mitchell Haynes, running for Governor in 2026, sees these events as a call to action—honoring Oklahoma’s past while building a safer, stronger future for every community.
A Time to Reflect: The 30th Anniversary Ceremony
The Remembrance Ceremony was a moment of unity, though not without hiccups. Logistical challenges left some survivors and first responders outside the packed venue, prompting an apology from the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
Still, the event struck a chord, with Clinton praising the “Oklahoma Standard”—a term coined for our state’s outpouring of kindness and grit after the 1995 tragedy. From bagpipes to the reading of victims’ names, it was a reminder of loss and healing, followed by free museum access thanks to Cox Community Day.
Leisa, ever the listener, heard the stories—like Nick Chafey introducing his son to his late mother’s memorial chair—and felt the weight of our shared history. “This is who we are,” she says. “Oklahomans don’t just survive; we lift each other up.”
Running with Purpose: The Memorial Marathon
The OKC Memorial Marathon, kicking off with a Health & Fitness Expo on April 25, is more than a race—it’s a movement.
Runners from every state and beyond will tackle the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, kids’ marathon, and senior marathon, each step honoring the 168 lives lost. The course, lined with 168 banners for the victims, winds through OKC’s neighborhoods, fueled by community cheers, music, and aid stations offering everything from pretzels to mimosas.
Leisa sees the marathon’s spirit in her own campaign: relentless, united, forward-moving. “These runners show what Oklahoma’s made of,” she says. “I’m running for Governor to keep that momentum going—fixing our roads, strengthening our schools, ensuring safety for every family.”
Her infrastructure plan dovetails perfectly here. Those potholes runners dodge? Leisa’s pledged to pave them over, using energy revenue and local contractors—no tax hikes needed. Safe roads aren’t just for race day; they’re for kids on buses, workers commuting, and ambulances racing to help.
She’s also inspired by the marathon’s community vibe, mirroring her open-door policy promise: 15-minute public visits to hear Oklahomans’ needs. “I’m not a politician hiding in an office,” she insists. “I’ll be out there, just like those volunteers at the water stops, doing the work.”
