High spirits, selfies and Rumble the Bison greet runners by the Paycom Center

As thousands of runners made their way through downtown Oklahoma City Sunday morning during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, the scene outside Paycom Center was full of energy, excitement, and a few memorable photo ops.

News 9's Chris Williams was stationed on Reno Avenue by the Paycom Center, where the crowds of runners seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, with heads bobbing in a colorful wave.

For many runners, time wasn't the focus; it was about capturing the moment. Rumble the Bison, the mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder, became a popular highlight along the route. Runners paused mid-race to snap selfies with Rumble, some even breaking pace for a quick interaction.

At one point, Rumble playfully chased a runner down the street, drawing laughter from spectators.

The excitement is only expected to build, with Thunder players scheduled to make appearances later in the day to support the runners.

Despite the lengthy road ahead, runners passing by the Paycom Center are in high spirits and proceed with enthusiasm, showing that the true spirit of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon isn't just about competition — it's about community, remembrance, and celebration.