The Kilgore Half Marathon & 10k
- Date Thu 24th December 2026
- Time 6:30AM CST
- Location Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Price Free
- Races 3 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 10km
Event summary
Join us on December 24, 2026, for the lively Kilgore Half Marathon & 10K in Oklahoma City, Cleveland! This heartwarming event, also known as the Run for the Deployed, has become a cherished holiday tradition since its inception in 2009. Inspired by the spirit of camaraderie and support for service members, this festive race welcomes runners of all levels to participate in either the half marathon or the 10K.
Whether you're racing for a personal best or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, you're encouraged to bring a food dish to share, your running shoes, and, most importantly, a smile! This year, let's come together as a community to celebrate the season and honor those who serve, all while enjoying a fun and supportive running experience. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make holiday memories and spread joy through the gift of running!
Whether you're racing for a personal best or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, you're encouraged to bring a food dish to share, your running shoes, and, most importantly, a smile! This year, let's come together as a community to celebrate the season and honor those who serve, all while enjoying a fun and supportive running experience. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to make holiday memories and spread joy through the gift of running!
Organiser's 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/707283039360515/]
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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/707283039360515/]
Races
-
Half Marathon
Thu 24th December 2026 (6:30AM CST)
Free
OPENS 01 DEC -
10k
Thu 24th December 2026 (6:30AM CST)
Free
OPENS 01 DEC -
Volunteer
Thu 24th December 2026 (6:30AM CST)
Free
OPENS 01 DEC
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11801 S. May, Oklahoma City, 73170, OK, United States
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The Kilgore Half Marathon & 10k
