Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon

This West Texas race, held in Lubbock, pays tribute to Willie McCool, a former Space Shuttle Columbia pilot and Lubbock native. The half-marathon course winds through the Lubbock Business Park, past the Lubbock Country Club, and into the surrounding countryside.

Runners will find a decidedly flat profile, as the course is described as "indeed, flat." The Silent Wings Museum serves as the evocative start and finish area, setting a unique tone for the event. With 9 editions on record, the race has seen a growing field, averaging around 136 finishers recently.

While drawing participants from about 4 states, the event fosters a sense of local community and remembrance. Approximately 20% of finishers return in subsequent years, indicating a loyal following for this memorial event.