There’s still time to sign up for the Health Focus Salem Distance Run, which will be run through the streets of Salem on August 11.
The Salem Distance Run is in its 44th year and is the oldest run in the Roanoke Valley. First held in 1975, it includes a 10 kilometer run and a 5 kilometer run. Also, walkers are welcome and encouraged to enter the 5K.
A special guest, ultra-distance runner Michael Wardian, will be attending and running again this year. Last weekend Wardian finished 11th in the Hardrock 100 in Colorado. Not only is the event run in the San Juan Mountains over 100 miles, but it is run at altitudes between 9,000 feet and 14,000 feet on rocky trails and includes 33,000 feet of elevation ascents. Limited to 145 elite ultra runners, Wardian ran the 100 miles in 30 hours and 23 minutes.
After the Salem races Wardian will be at Longwood Park to present awards. He will also be available to discuss his worldwide running adventures and to sign autographs. Last year, Michael ran seven full 26.2-mile marathons on seven continents on seven consecutive days. He won all of them with an average time of 2 hours and 46 minutes.
The races on August 11 will start at 8 am. Registration and packet pick-up will be held at Longwood Park on Friday evening, August 10, from 4-7 pm and on Saturday morning until 7:30 am.
For online registration, paper registration form, and more information, please go to healthfocusswva.org or call Laurie Gibbons at Health Focus, 540-444-2925.