Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon
The Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon honors a local hero with a flat West Texas course.
Race Date
Oct 10, 2026
Location
Lubbock, TX
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Location
- Lubbock, Texas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,444
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
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.
Race-provided description
West Texas Endurance - The Hub of Events in West Texas - Lubbock Texas. Running events, Half-Marathon, 5K, 10K, family fun runs and more. Willie McCool Memorial Run, Howl-o-Ween Dog Run, Carol of Lights Run.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
Silent Wings Museum, Lubbock, TX, 79403
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Standout6710 years running
~125 finishers a year
growing or steady
25% returning runners
6 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 6 states
winner 1:31:32
typical high 85°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
45%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,444 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
1,444
Median time
2:13:09
Latest turnout
125
States
12
Turnout by year
2015–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon?
The Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Where does the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Lubbock, Texas.
What distances does the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,444 runners who have completed the Willie McCool Memorial Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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