Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K 2026

The Willie McCool Memorial Half-Marathon, 5K & 10K starts at the Silent Wings Museum in Lubbock, Texas. It offers three race distances, from a 5K to a half marathon. West Texas Endurance organizes the event to honor Willie McCool, a graduate of Coronado High School who piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia. As running was important to him, the event links his spaceflight career with his personal passion. The race attracts participants from Lubbock and surrounding areas, and it funds a scholarship at Coronado High School. It also recognizes Willie’s family: the Audrey McCool Volunteer Award is given in memory of his mother, Audrey, who dedicated many hours to community groups. Willie’s father, Barent McCool, has remarked that his son would be pleased to see so many runners enjoying themselves.