Harlon Block Half Marathon

Harlon Block Half Marathon is held in Weslaco, Texas, on November 8, 2026, starting at 7 a.m. Run in memory of Corporal Harlon Block, it takes entries from runners and from ruckers carrying a pack over the same half marathon (13.1 miles). Awards go to the top men and women overall and by age group, and proceeds fund a memorial statue in his honor.

The rucking option changes the preparation completely. If you plan to carry weight, train with the pack you intend to use and add load gradually over two or three months, since the shoulders and lower back give out well before the legs do. Runners can approach it as a standard road half: a 12-week build with one long run each week is enough for a first finish. A local artisan market and live music round out the morning once the finishers are in.