OKC Marathon Medic Honors Mom, Shares Stories of 168 Victims

As the sun rises on a crisp April morning in Oklahoma City, Nick Chafey will be among the first to arrive at the starting line of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. His role, however, extends far beyond that of a runner or spectator – he is the on-course medical chairman, overseeing a team of dedicated volunteers tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of the thousands of participants.

For Chafey, this event holds a deeper significance than most. It is a poignant reminder of the tragedy that forever changed the course of his life when he was just four years old – the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which claimed the life of his mother, Rona Linn Kuehner-Chafey.

Amidst the 168 chairs that grace the Field of Empty Chairs, a powerful symbol of remembrance, stands one dedicated to Rona. It serves as a solemn tribute to her memory and a reminder of the profound loss suffered by countless families on that fateful day.

As the runners take their mark, Chafey’s focus shifts to the intricate network of 16 medical stations strategically positioned along the 26.2-mile route. His team, a well-oiled machine, is poised to respond to any medical emergencies that may arise, from dehydration and muscle cramps to blisters and strains.

“There’s just some things you feel like you’re led to do,” Chafey explained to The Oklahoman, his voice resonating with a sense of purpose and determination.

For Chafey, the marathon has become more than just a physical challenge – it is a sacred journey through the collective memory of those who were lost and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. As he assumes the mantle of on-course medical chairman, he carries with him the stories of the 168 victims, each one a testament to the enduring power of love, courage, and hope.

“I don’t know if it’s easier, but the emotional connection for me is not there,” Chafey admitted, reflecting on his absence of personal memories with his mother. “It helps me represent those other people that would love to be involved but emotionally can’t just from the trauma. For me, it’s a way to help share their stories as well.”

The words of Sara Sweet, whose father, W. Stephen Williams, was among those killed in the bombing, resonated deeply with Chafey. “She was talking about how special the race day is to her and how it’s her favorite day of the year,” he recounted. “That was new for me to hear someone involved with the Oklahoma City bombing share a highlight about April. April’s always a month of gloom.”

Those words struck a chord, igniting a newfound sense of joy and purpose within Chafey. “Hearing someone speak in a positive light about it not only made me happy, but also gave me a bit more joy about why I’m doing what I’m currently doing to take over Ed’s role,” he said, referring to his mentor, Ed Sunderland, who has served as the on-course medical chairman for the past 11 years.

Sunderland, now 69, will share the role with Chafey this year, passing the torch to his former student before officially retiring. Their connection runs deeper than just a professional partnership – it is a bond forged through shared experiences and a mutual commitment to honoring the memory of those who were lost.

“And that just made the whole thing more pertinent,” Sunderland remarked, reflecting on Chafey’s personal connection to the tragedy. “It brings it to light. It brings it right home.”

As the runners make their way through the city streets, each stride a testament to their determination and resilience, Chafey and his team will be there, ever-vigilant, prepared to respond to any medical need that may arise. From the meticulous planning and coordination of supplies to the unwavering dedication of the volunteers, every aspect of their effort is infused with a profound sense of purpose – to honor the lives lost and to ensure that the memory of the victims remains a guiding light for generations to come.

“It just seems right,” Chafey reflected, his voice carrying a mix of gratitude and resolve. “For him to pass the torch, for me to step into this role.”

In the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy, the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon has become a beacon of hope, a symbolic journey through the depths of sorrow and a celebration of the indomitable human spirit. And for Nick Chafey, it is a sacred duty, a way to honor the memory of his mother and to share the stories of those who were lost, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire and uplift all who participate.