Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K
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) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 1,319
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
The Silent Wings Museum provides the perfect backdrop to “imagine” your run taking you out of this world. Willie McCool was the Pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia (January – February 2003), a graduate of Lubbock’s Coronado High School (1979) and loved running. His legacy will inspire runners, both old and new and we are proud and honored to dedicate this race to his memory. The half marathon course will have you traveling into outer space through the Lubbock Business Park, past the tree-lined Lubbock Country Club and re-entry through the Lubbock countryside west of the airport. Your mission on the 5K/10K course is to travel around the Galaxy and safely return to the Launch Pad/Finish Line at the Silent Wings Museum. As you run either course, you will discover the world according to Lubbock is, indeed, flat.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
Long-sleeve technical t-shirt (unisex)
Start Location
Silent Wings Museum, Lubbock, TX, 79403
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout669 years running
~117 finishers a year
growing or steady
20% returning runners
6 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 4 states
winner 1:18:51
typical high 85°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
86°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
43%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,319 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
1,319
Median time
2:13:53
Latest turnout
136
States
9
Turnout by year
2014–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K?
The Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K take place?
It takes place in Lubbock, Texas.
What distances does the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K course flat and good for a PR?
The Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,319 runners who have completed the Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Lubbock? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
