Oklahoma Elementary Students Receive Sneakers for Memorial Race

Cleats 4 Kids organization provides gear to help students participate in annual Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:13pm

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An Oklahoma elementary school running club received new sneakers, socks, and water bottles from the Cleats 4 Kids organization to help prepare the students for the upcoming Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race. About 70 second- and third-graders were gifted the running gear, which will allow more students to participate in the significant annual event that honors lives lost and changed forever.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race is an important community event that helps teach young students about the history and significance of the Oklahoma City bombing. By providing the necessary running gear, the Cleats 4 Kids organization is ensuring more students can take part in this meaningful race and learn about this pivotal moment in Oklahoma's history.

The details

The Cleats 4 Kids organization selected Central Elementary School's running club to receive the special gear donation this year. The group provides running shoes and accessories to schools each year to help students feel confident and prepared to participate in the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race. After trying on their new sneakers, the students took a test run around the track and are working to complete 25 miles of training before the 1.2-mile race on April 25.

  • The students received their running gear on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The players

Cleats 4 Kids

An organization that selects a school each year to provide running gear to help students participate in the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race.

Allyson Meyer

The deputy director of Cleats 4 Kids.

Kelly Burleson

The director of the OKC Memorial Kids Race.

Ellie

A third-grade student at Central Elementary School who received the new running gear.

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What they’re saying

“'Central has been a fan favorite. Their running club has consistently had so many kids that run, and the shoes are preventing them from being able to participate. So, if we can provide them the shoes, more kids can run and participate.'”

— Allyson Meyer, Deputy Director, Cleats 4 Kids

“'We want to teach the kids in our community that we are a community that comes together, and we want to be there to honor the lives lost and those changed forever.'”

— Kelly Burleson, OKC Memorial Kids Race Director

“'It's important for them because they weren't born at the time, and this is part of Oklahoma history.'”

— Kelly Burleson, OKC Memorial Kids Race Director

“'I love them. They're very comfortable. I'm mostly excited for the fun. I want it to be fun.'”

— Ellie, Third-Grade Student

What’s next

The students will continue their training, aiming to complete 25 miles before the 1.2-mile Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race on April 25, 2026.

The takeaway

By providing running gear to the Central Elementary School students, the Cleats 4 Kids organization is ensuring more young people can participate in the meaningful Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Race, learning about the community's history and honoring those affected by the tragic events.