Gorilla Hill is a legendary part of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, happening around mile 6–7 of the race course. Runners have to tackle this noticeable incline through OKC’s Crown Heights neighborhood — and over the years it’s turned into more than just a hill. What makes it iconic isn’t just the challenge, but the community spirit around it: neighbors decorate the street with balloons, spectators line both sides cheering, and a 50-foot inflatable gorilla stands as a landmark to signal runners have hit the famous stretch. The tradition started in 2010 when a local resident placed a gorilla figure on the hill and embraced the cheering role — complete with bananas and costumes — turning it into one of the marathon’s most memorable and beloved moments. #running #marathon #okc #marathonrunner #marathontraining #hillrunning