For many employees, the Williams Route 66 Marathon is more than a work event. It’s a family affair.

Sherylen Booth will participate this year with her husband and two sons. They’ll be in several different races but all running with the same goal: to do their best while having a good time.

“My eight-year-old Simon and I are running the 5K,” she said. “He’s very competitive and wants to beat his personal time. My husband and five-year-old Solomon are doing the fun run. We are looking forward to it!”

Booth, an IT supervisor, has participated in the marathon since 2013, when she ran the half marathon in honor of her father, a childhood polio survivor who had recently passed away and was a big supporter of family sporting events.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him than by using my legs to take me 13.1 miles,” she said.

Amy Shank, a project development manager for NGL & PetChem Services, is running the half marathon this year and cheering on her husband in his first full marathon. She’s also the captain of the Williams Marathon Corporate Challenge team.

She’s pleased to see so many employees and their families participate each year.

“It becomes a lifestyle when everyone gets involved and makes it a part of healthy living,” she said.

About 100 employees are expected to compete in the events, and dozens more will volunteer at a water stop or other activities.

“The Williams Route 66 Marathon is a success because of the hard work and dedication of our many participants and volunteers,” said Dave Darcey, VP, Strategic Development and executive sponsor of the event. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Darcey has run the marathon every year since its inception in 2006 and says he is proud that Williams is able to support this event that is so important to the Tulsa community.

“The marathon is a wonderful way to give back to the Tulsa community, which has supported Williams throughout our history,” Darcey said. “We are proud to be a long and lasting part of this city and this community.”