6 running and road events in Salem, Massachusetts

This annual community open water swim event typically attracts an average of 200 swimmers split between three different distances. The temperature of the water is typically about 66 degrees F. The swim takes place in a calm, protected cove, and is well supported with at least a dozen volunteers in kayaks/paddleboarders. Cozy unisex t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants pre-registered by August 1st. Latex swim caps will be provided for all swimmers. If you are allergic to latex, please feel free to bring your own.

Join us at the Annual Tache Realty Wicked Half Marathon in historic Salem, MA! Participants will have a 4 hour time cap to complete this course. The course will offer aid stations every 1.5-2 miles and there will be a ton of cheerful volunteers on the course. Everyone will receive a custom finisher medal that will be a nice addition to your collection. The event attracts close to 1000 runners, including elites to beginners traveling from all over the world. We promise the scenery in Salem and Marblehead will make these miles fly by!!

Witch City 5K Road Race

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Race Starts 9:00 AM

Run for a Reason: Your Support Makes the Difference

Run for a reason. The Y is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to our programming and services, from life-saving swim safety to youth development and childcare. We reinvest millions of dollars each year in financial assistance and scholarships, supporting thousands of families and individuals in the communities we serve.

Your registration supports this essential mission, ensuring we can continue to help those in our community who need the Y most. Your commitment directly strengthens the Greater Beverly YMCA and the neighbors we serve every day. By participating, you’re not just running a race—you’re making a life-changing impact.

Our Y reinvests millions of dollars each year through financial assistance and scholarships to ensure thousands of families and individuals in the 25 communities we serve have access to programming, services and the resources they need. Your participation in our road races supports our mission and allows us to continue to help those who need the Y most. Run through the haunted streets of Salem - the ghouls, ghosts and goblins will be with you in spirit this year!

Race Map

Go the Extra Mile: Our Fundraising Levels

Join our mission to provide financial assistance by reaching one of our meaningful fundraising levels! Every dollar you raise supports vital Y programs in our community.

The Starting Line: Registration Level. Simply signing up supports our cause and starts the transformation!

The Lucky Cat: Raise a total of $50.

The Pumpkin Carver: Raise a total of $100.

The Good Witch: Raise a total of $250 or more to become one of our top champions!

Race Day Details

Race Start Time: 9:00 AM

Location: Salem Willows Park, Fort Avenue, Salem, MA, USA

Course Details: This course is stroller and dog friendly (well-behaved, leashed dogs only).

Refund Policy: All sales are final, no refunds will be offered.

Timing: Timing Provided by Bay State Race Services

Swag: Tee Shirt first come first served while supplies last. Shirts must be picked up by the start of the race.

Parking: Free parking in the main lot at the Willows and along Fort Avenue.

Race Day Pick-up: Begins at 7:00 AM at the Salem Willows at Dead Horse Beach, Salem MA

Results, Awards & Celebration

• Results: Posted at the finish line and emailed to participants post-race.

• Overall Winners: Medals for 1st Place Male & Female.

• Age Groups: Medals for Top 3 Male & Female: 13 & under, 14–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+.

• Open Categories: Medals for Top 3 Non-binary and Top 3 Wheelchair finishers.

• Local Honors: Special prizes for the 1st Place Male & Female Salem residents.

• Costume Prizes: Special prizes will be awarded for the best costumes!

Quick Links & Resources

Discover Salem:

Your guide to the local business community; find the best places to shop, dine, and stay in the region.

Salem Chamber

Visit Salem

YMCA Member Resources:

Our Y welcomes ALL. We strengthen communities, educate and nurture children, and promote healthy living in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of the Northshore

Upcoming YMCA Races and Community Events:

Join us for Road Races, Golf Tournaments, Galas, and other Special Events!

Fundraising and Community Events

Run like Hell in Salem, MA this October!

666 Event Description: The Devils Chase 6.66 Mile Run, named to the Top Nine Costume Runs in the World, is the best and most unique event you will run in all year long. 98% of participants dress up in costume, majority Devil theme costumes. People from all over the world venture to Historic Salem and join us for one Hell of a Good time. The Devils Chase attracts more than 1000 Devils donning their favorite horns with pitchforks in hand for a scenic 6.66 mile race past a variety of Salem’s well-known landmarks including the Salem Common, Salem Witch Museum, a Real Haunted House, the Custom House, Salem’s Derby Wharf, the House of Seven Gables and more. The course provides two sections of in and outs allowing runners to pass their fellow Devils and admire all of the unique and entertaining costumes. You’ll know you’re nearing the end of the race when you begin running through an eerie spooky foggy finish.

333 Event Description: Break out your creepy clown outfits and join in the costume fun in Salem, MA for a unique 3.33 mile run through the historic streets of the Witch City.