Cyclists can join the race virtually

Trying to boost entries in this year' s virtual Memorial Marathon, organizers announced Tuesday that cyclists could join the race for the first time.

Just like the runners, cyclists can choose to enter the half-marathon or marathon and ride anytime between Oct. 1 and Oct 1 8. As of now, the bicycle entries will be be limited to 500 for each distance.

If the response from cyclists is overwhelming, however, the marathon might consider allowing more t han 500 entries, said Kari Watkins, executive director of the Oklahoma City National Museum and Memorial.

Cyclists can ride the Memorial Marathon course—found on the marathon app — or create their own course.

“Cyclists have long wanted to be a part of this race,” Watkins said. “We really want t his virtual race to be for all people. It's a chance for everyone to participate.”

The traditional Memorial Marathon, the largest fund raiser of the year for the National Museum and Memorial, was canceled earlier this month because of rising COVID- 19 cases in the state. Instead, the virtual event in October was offered to runners.

Watkins said Tuesday that 13,100 runners from 46 states are entered in the virtual Memorial Marathon. Eighty percent of runners who had registered for the traditional marathon chose to participate in the virtual event. The other 20 percent either donated their entry fee or deferred it to another year.

Cyclists can register now for the virtual race at OK C marathon. com. They will receive the same 20th anniversary swag as the runners, including a specially designed ribbon for cyclists on this year's medal.