Half and Half Preview

Sunday December 15, area runners have a unique opportunity to run not one, but two half marathons in Tulsa. The second annual Half & Half or Double Half will be held at Turkey Mountain. Runners have a choice of running 13.1 miles on trails, running 13.1 miles on the paved bike path on the west Arkansas River banks, or for the over-achievers--you can run BOTH!

Kathy Hoover, owner or RunnersWorld Tulsa, is known for "thinking outside the box" when it comes to putting on races.

She is Race Director of other fun events such as Race Into the New Year, Witch and Moan, and Run Tulsa Pink, and this race is possibly the only event of it's kind in the US.
This is the perfect race for someone wanting to compete on some non-technical (easy) trails. The trail course utilizes only the easiest routes on Turkey Mountain, avoiding (for the most part) the super rocky sections. Yes, there are a few hills--it IS Turkey Mountain after all, but you do not have to climb or descend the steep hill known as LipBuster (parallel to Elwood Avenue.)   It starts and finishes at the main parking lot at 68th and Elwood.

The road half marathon also begins and ends in the Turkey Mountain parking lot. This course runs downhill on the paved bike trail toward the river and follows this route all the way north to 11th Street and  you turnaround 2/3 of the way across the bridge. The return trip gives you your 13.1 miles.


Both races start at 9:00 am, and are ran simultaneously. With the Half Fanatics becoming as big as Marathon Maniacs, this is a chance for a double (two half marathons in a weekend, or in this case on the same day.)  Those wanting to run both, will run the trail course first. Finishing both will count as either two half marathon finishes, OR one marathon finish. Throw in the coolest medals I've ever seen, and this race is one you should not miss.
The urban wilderness of Turkey Mountain is beautiful all year round. In December, the leaves are mostly gone which opens up some fantastic vistas of the Arkansas River and downtown Tulsa.


Enjoy an aid station with  smorgasbord of goodies every 2.5 miles. Trail runners plow the cookies, PBJs, and chips, sometimes consuming more calories than they burn. A favorite concoction is an Oreo slathered with peanut butter, and topped with M&Ms. It's like rocket fuel.


The finishers medals are as unique as the race.
The left side is the medal for the trail race. The right is the road medal. Do both races and you'll get both. They fit together to form a yin and yang design. For a runner, you need this medal on your trophy shelf.
You can sign up online, at RunnersWorld, or at the race. More information can be found here. More information can be found here.