Community runs and pre-race events set the stage for inaugural half marathon
McKinney, TX – February 5, 2026 – With March 28, 2026, circled on the calendar, McKinney isn’t just preparing to host its first half marathon, it’s training for it. As race day approaches, the city is bringing runners, residents and local businesses together in the weeks leading up to the McKinney Historic Half Marathon Presented by BMW, turning preparation into a community-wide experience.
Rather than waiting for race morning, McKinney is warming up early. In the weeks leading up to race day, a series of upcoming community fun runs will give participants a chance to train together and get a feel for the course. Open to runners training for the 5K and Half Marathon and local running enthusiasts alike, these pre-race community events welcome participants of all ages and experience levels to get involved and build momentum in the lead-up to race day. The series culminates in March with the main event, followed by a post-race celebration at TUPPS Brewery, featuring food, music and family-friendly activities.
“The McKinney Historic Half is designed to feel personal from the very beginning,” said Jason Schuchard, President of the Dallas White Rock Marathon. “We want the McKinney community to be excited for the 5K and Half Marathon, and to see the event, as one that reflects McKinney’s energy, pride and sense of connection.”
Winding through the historic downtown square, family-friendly neighborhoods and the city’s expansive park system, the course is designed to showcase McKinney at its best. With a mix of road and trail terrain unique to North Texas, the route offers runners a fresh perspective on the city while giving spectators plenty of opportunities to join the excitement.
Organized by the nonprofit team behind the BMW Dallas Marathon, the McKinney Historic Half reflects a broader effort to bring high-quality running events to North Texas communities while maintaining a distinctly local feel. The event blends decades of race management experience with McKinney’s small-town hospitality.
Beyond the miles and medals, the McKinney Historic Half supports a meaningful cause, with proceeds benefiting Scottish Rite for Children of Frisco. The inaugural event is expected to draw thousands of participants in its first year, with plans to grow into a signature spring tradition for Collin County.
Registration for the McKinney Historic Half Marathon, 5K and Kid’s 100M Dash is open now.
About the McKinney Historic Half
The McKinney Historic Half Presented by BMW is a premier spring running event launching March 28, 2026, in McKinney, Texas. Organized by the team behind the BMW Dallas Marathon, the race features a Half Marathon, 5K, and Kid’s 100M Dash welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. The event showcases McKinney’s historic downtown, vibrant park system, and family-friendly neighborhoods while offering a polished, professional race experience. Proceeds benefit Scottish Rite for Children in Frisco, reinforcing the event’s mission to promote health, fitness, and community impact. For more information, visitwww.mckinneyhalf.com.
About The Dallas White Rock Marathon
The Dallas White Rock Marathon (DWRM) is a nonprofit organization with a focus on promoting health and physical fitness through running events and related activities. The organization is comprised of 15 volunteer board members and a full-time staff with various backgrounds and running experiences that help carry out the mission of the DWRM as well as support the growth and impact of the DWRM portfolio of events in the Dallas-Fort Worth community. Dating back to 1971, the organization hosts year-round events culminating with Dallas’ largest and Texas’ longest running marathon: the BMW Dallas Marathon. Now in its 55th running, the marquee event, with 12 running and walking events for all ages, will attract runners from across the globe and hundreds of thousands of spectators to Dallas’ largest single-day sporting event. The BMW Dallas Marathon course highlights iconic Dallas landmarks and is recognized as the official marathon of the City of Dallas. Since naming a primary beneficiary in 1997, DWRM has donated nearly $5 million to Scottish Rite for Children. For more information, visit www.dallasmarathon.com.
Submitted by Sarah Wicks, PR Account Director, HCK2 Partners
