
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
5 timing sources
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 58°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Oklahoma City? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races

