CLAREMORE, Okla. – Celebrate the life and legacy of Cherokee Nation citizen Andy Payne, known for winning the International Trans-Continental Foot Race in 1928. Slated for April 12, the event will feature a 5K race and fun run near historic Route 66.
The event is hosted by the Claremore Museum of History and is presented by Cherokee Nation.
Representing Claremore, Oklahoma, Payne began the 1928 footrace in Los Angeles and concluded in New York City. It took five pairs of shoes to trek the more than 3,400 miles in just under 24 days. Only one in four of the original 275 runners crossed the finish line.
“Andy Payne is an incredible demonstration of the tenacity and resilience of the Cherokee people,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “This race is a great opportunity for us to come together and celebrate his incredible achievement in a way that inspires others for greatness and also creates a platform to share Cherokee history and culture in a new and exciting way.”
A bronze statue stands today at the Claremore Museum of History depicting Payne as he ran through the state and is registered as a historic Oklahoma Marker. In addition, the museum hosts a permanent exhibit that features the jersey Payne wore during the race.
“We are excited to partner with Cherokee Nation to present the Andy Payne Route 66 Race,” said Steve Robinson, chairman of the board of directors, Claremore Museum of History. “We’ve been collectively planning this race for over a year now and can’t wait to see it come to fruition. The Andy Payne story is a story a lot of Oklahomans don’t know and we hope this event helps elevate his legacy.”
The fun run begins at the Claremore High School track at 8 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 8:30 a.m. near Will Rogers Junior High School located at Florence Avenue and E Stuart Roosa.
Registration is available online through April 10 at https://claremoremoh.org/andypayneroute66/. Entry fees are $35 per person for the 5K race and $25 for the fun run.
The event is also hosting a virtual 5K for $35 to accommodate those who cannot attend in person but want to share in the celebration. Those who register will receive a commemorative Andy Payne Route 66 Race T-shirt.
The event coincides with the Route 66 Centennial Celebration, kicking off the Oklahoma festivities that will celebrate the iconic Mother Road’s 100th birthday in 2026.
For more information on Cherokee Nation cultural programs and events, go to www.VisitCherokeeNation.com.