The Salem Half Marathon, 8K race and Kids Fun Runs were originally scheduled for this Saturday, but due to the coronavirus pandemic the races will be virtual this year. That means runners will have 16 days to run their respective event, post a time and compete for top placement in the various age groups.
Some runners are planning on doing their virtual race on Saturday, weather permitting. As of the beginning of the week plans were to set up the Finish Line truss in front of City Hall from 9 am until noon for runners to come take their picture and pick up their race packet.
“Our intention all along was to stage the races as we normally do throughout the streets of Salem, but as we all know by now, there is nothing normal about 2020,” said Salem Parks and Recreation Director, John Shaner. “With so much continued uncertainty, the virtual option will allow us to provide runners and citizens with the safest possible options.”
Virtual participants will have until Sunday, October 18, to register online for their specific event and complete the corresponding distance on their own course.
“From the start, our mission has been to get people moving and that has never been more important than it is right now,” says Assistant Race Director, Ashley Durkin. “We’re looking forward to engaging with the runners virtually through the RaceJoy app while still offering some perks of race day including finish line photos, a Chick-fil-A sandwich, and a free beverage from Olde Salem Brewing Company for all racers over 21.”
Complete information on the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, Virginia’s Blue Ridge 8k and G&H Contracting Kids Fun Runs is available at salemhalfmarathon.com.
