This was an Oklahoma Statute, in the criminal code, Title 21 O.S. Sec. 1343-1345. It was on the books from 1937 until 1975 when it was finally repealed. I don't quite know how to read it. What State entity would license a marathon? Any Route 66 or OKC Memorial marathoner may have been guilty of a crime had he or she run back then. I think it might even have applied to cycling (is that "rolling"?) and triathlons. Looks as if stage racers would be facing some serious time as recidivists (one bonehead name).
"§ 1343. Marathons or public human endurance contests prohibited.— It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association of persons to conduct, carry on, manage or maintain, or cause or permit to be conducted, carried on managed or maintained, or for any person to participate in or to aid or assist in the conducting or maintenance of any public so called “marathon dance” “walkathon,” “endurathon,” “speedathon,” or any public human endurance dancing, walking, running, skipping, jumping, skating, sliding, gliding, rolling or crawling, within the State of Oklahoma.
§1344. Exceptions to the application of the Act. – Nothing contained in the Act shall be construed or apply to amateur or professional athletic events or contests or to high school, college or inter-collegiate athletic contests or sports, or to any events or contests licensed by the State by any board, commission or officer thereof.
§1345. Penalty – Separate Offenses.— Any person, firm, corporation, or association of persons violating any of the provisions of this Act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not to exceed Five Hundred ($500) Dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for to not to exceed six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each separate day or any portion thereof during which the violation of this Act occurs or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense and upon conviction therefor shall be punishable as herein provided."