Keilbarth Wins Freezing Route 66 Marathon

The former University of Tulsa cross-country runner had to battle artcic-like conditions.

Twenty-two-year-old James Keilbarth was the first runner to cross the line at last Sunday’s Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Okla. The Tulsa native’s finishing time was 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 34 seconds.

His win was hardly easy.

Keilbarth had to battle freezing temperatures and strong winds.

“My mouth is frozen, sorry, I can’t talk,” he said after the race. Kielbarth, who ran cross country at the University of Tulsa, said the crowds helped him along the way. “It’s a great crowd out there,” he said. “I’m just glad to get a win for Tulsa.”

Meanwhile, Katie Cramer won the women’s race. The 34-year-old broke the tape in 3:02:19.

“My goal has been to win it and I’ve always been in the top five,” she said. “This is just awesome.” Kramer suffered a broken pelvis two years ago and was pleased with her successful comeback.

“I was so devastated that I missed it that year because I’ve run this race every year,” she said.

For More: Tulsa World