Moore War Run 2021

A tradition uniting alumni, future grads and the community

By:Callie Collins

Saturday, Aug. 28 is the big day for a time-honored tradition in Moore: the thirteenth annual Moore War Run will take place at 7:30 a.m. Moore High School and Westmoore High School Alumni Associations host the event, which serves as a fundraiser for current students.

The Moore War Run marks a rare truce. In the three-decade Moore War rivalry, the Lions and Jaguars “sparred against one another to determine the big cat in town.” But on race day, each August, the feud is put aside to come together for a common cause – current students.

Former classmates from both schools put friendly rivalries and their differences aside in support of their children, grandchildren or simply the present class of students in their community.

This year’s 5K is made possible by sponsors large and small and this year’s presenting sponsors are Brown O’Haver, Horn Equipment, Norman Regional Hospital and Randy L. Thurman, CPA.

Alice Young, owner and CEO of Brown O’Haver, agrees the event is meaningful to the Moore community.

“Moore War Run continues to be an event that is near and dear to Brown O’Haver,” said Young. “Running the best water stop [during the race] for the last seven years has always been one of the highlights of our year. We enjoy watching our community come together in an event like this that demonstrates the resilience and commitment of all of the participants.”

Volunteers lead all race efforts, from event planning to race day staffing.

“All funds benefit students of Moore Public Schools with scholarships and various activities,” said Kelli Kinnamon, race director and Westmoore class of ‘92 alumna, whose vision and leadership have guided the race since its beginning. “I don’t have a kid in the school or anything like that but I just had this crazy idea more than 13 years ago that it could work and it has.

“We’ve raised $180,000 through our first 12 events. Our goal is to get sponsors to pay for the actual expense of the race so that all the entry fees go directly to helping students.”

Uncertainty marked last year’s race, which took place in person even as the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of so many events. Solemnity in remembrance of the hit-andrun deaths of three Moore High School students in February 2020 was also part of last summer’s event.

Through the incredible difficulties of the past year, the community has come together in more ways than one and will again for the 2021 Moore War Run. More than 1100 participants are expected to run in this year’s race.

“This will be a return to normal for us,” said Kinnamon. “We will have a DJ back again, there will be water stations and finish line activities.”

The Moore War Run begins at the corner of Main and Eastern, in front of Moore High School. Runners will continue south to 19th Street before turning west and heading to Broadway Ave before returning north. The race ends in Old Town Moore.

The cost to register is $30 and registration can be completed online at moorewarrun.com. Student fees are $15 and registration should be completed through athletic coaches. Registration is also possible the day of the event. Every runner will receive a medal.

Members of the community who do not wish to participate but would like to purchase a t-shirt can do so for $15, with proceeds also benefiting local students.

Volunteers are also needed to make the event a success. Email moorewarrun@yahoo.com for more information about volunteer opportunities.

“Moore War Run is a great community event and we are excited to be back with cheers and poms,” said Kinnamon. “This year, there will be cheering along the course and more student participants.

“Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, fellow alumni and the Moore community for your support of the event but also your support of one another.” -19SM