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Kilgore Half Marathon

Kilgore Half Marathon

The Run for the Deployed honors service members with a festive Christmas Eve half marathon.

Race Date

Dec 24, 2026

Location

Oklahoma City, OK

Quick facts

Date
Thursday, December 24, 2026
Location
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K run
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell Organized

Course

Well Marked

The Experience

The Kilgore Half Marathon, also known as The Run for the Deployed, began in 2009 when Scott, then deployed, ran a half marathon on Christmas Eve. The following year, the tradition expanded to include the Oklahoma City Southside Running Club, starting with 24 runners.

Since its inception, the event has grown, with 60 runners participating in its final year hosted at home in 2012, even in challenging 11-degree weather. The tradition has since spread, with events hosted in Virginia Beach, and by friends and family in Seattle, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, all continuing the spirit of supporting service members.

This beloved event, first run in 2009 and now in its 15th year, has seen steady growth. While specific field sizes for recent years are not detailed, its enduring legacy and the dedication of its participants underscore its significance as a community-driven run with a heartfelt cause.

Race-provided description

THE KILGORE HALF *Also known as THE RUN FOR THE DEPLOYED*

THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE RUN

In 2009 Scott was deployed over Christmas. On Christmas Eve of that year he told me he was going to run a half marathon. When I asked him why, he said, because he was deployed and not able to be at home. The following year on a training run for a half marathon he and I were running together, he tells me he was going to do the same thing he did the year prior on Christmas Eve but from home this time. Knowing how our Oklahoma running community responds to a good cause and GOOD TIMES, we invited the Oklahoma City Southside Running Club to join us. In 2010, our first year as hosts, we had 24 runners. Our second year we grew to 43 runners. Our last year as hosts (2012) in 11 degree temps, we had our best showing yet. 60 runners came to our home ready to run!!!!! Since our move from OKC, we have hosted an event in Virginia Beach (in 2013), and our good friend Stacey Brown offered to carry on the tradition in Oklahoma City and host the run from her home there. My BFF in Auburn (Seattle), Washington hosts a contingent and our family members who gather in PA at Christmas also try and run. We have a former Okie Friend, also continuing the tradition in her new home state OREGON!  We hope to keep it going year after year!

We thank you for caring about your service members, near and far. We appreciate you coming out each year, despite the conditions, in a showing of support for all they do and sacrifice. It's a small gesture, but one we feel is profoundly felt. REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE, JUST SHOW UP WITH A FOOD DISH, RUNNING SHOES, AND A SMILE!   Join our Facebook group for up to date information

Logistics

Race Day

Thursday, December 24, 2026

Start Time

6:30 AM

Start Location

11801 S. May, Oklahoma City, OK, 73170

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K run

Course Map

1 other map for this race

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details5/15

5 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather10/10

typical high 58°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

40°

Afternoon (High)

58°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.0"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

63%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the Kilgore Half Marathon?

The Kilgore Half Marathon is held on Thursday, December 24, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM.

Where does the Kilgore Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

What distances does the Kilgore Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K run.

Is the Kilgore Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Kilgore Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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