From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Salem Distance Run
52nd Anniversary Salem Distance Run
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Location: Longwood Park, 601 E. Main Street, Salem, VA 24153
Races will start in front of the "Shrewd Outdoors" building at 201 E. Main Street
Race founder: Richard Browder, Retired Track Coach, Roanoke College
5K: Race starts at 8:00 a.m., $30.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31, 2026
10K: Race starts at 8:00 a.m., $35.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31.2026
Kids Run: 1 mile fun run through Longwood Park. Race starts at 7:30 a.m., $20.00 (includes t-shirt). Additional $5.00 if registered after July 31, 2026
Volunteers are an essential part of our success! Sign up for yourself or a group looking for a fun community service project.
Packet Pickup: Friday, August 7th at RunAbout Sports Roanoke from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Saturday, August 8th at Longwood Park from 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Rules & Details:
Runsignup.com registration is available thru race day. Preferred-sized shirts are available thru July 10, 2026
The race will start on Main Street and finish at Longwood Park
Parking is available at Longwood Park or downtown Salem
Award ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the race
No pets or strollers are permitted
Contact:
Salem Parks & Recreation: [email protected] or (540) 375-3057
The City of Salem, known as "Virginia's Championship City", has hosted numerous NCAA National Championships as well as many other national and international sports tournaments. In 2016, we decided to branch out and bring that "Championship" mentality to running! The races start and finish at the Salem Farmers Market in downtown Salem, VA and take you on a scenic tour of Salem through neighborhoods, Roanoke College, and the downtown business district.
We have partnered with Blue Ridge Racing, the area's leading road race management organization to produce these events. In addition to managing the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, Virginia's Blue Ridge 8K, and the G&H Contracting Kids Run, Blue Ridge Racing handles the race management for the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon and other regional events.
As an added bonus to running the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, you will have the opportunity to earn the Virginia's Blue Ridge Triple Crown medal if you also complete the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Full or Half Marathon (in April) and the Star City Half Marathon (in November) within the same year. Is three half marathons too much for you? Run the Blue Ridge Star-K (or Relay), Salem 8K, and Star City 10K to earn the Triple Crown Sprint Series medal. This exciting race series rewards runners in the valley with some serious race medal bling and bragging rights!
THIS EVENT IS RAIN or SHINE :)
*EARLY REGISTRATION PRICING ENDS SEPTEMBER 30!
Join SHERWOOD MEMORIAL PARK for our 10th RUN FOR DONUTS 5k & FUN RUN!
Fun for the whole family & a GREAT opportunity to support a GREAT cause!
This year will be benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia which provides an environment of love, community, and hope to families of seriously ill children. RMHC-SWVA programs give a family with a sick child what they need most – each other.
We will utilize the paths within Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
WHO DOESN'T LOVE DONUTS?!?
All participants will get to enjoy a yummy Donut to munch on at the finish line. Eating donuts is not required, however, it will be A LOT of fun if you do!
COSTUME CONTEST, have fun with the run & wear your sprinkle colors or anything donut themed!
~ 5K runners receive a Knit Beanie Hat* & Finisher Medal
~ Fun Run runners/walkers receive a Knit Beanie Hat*
*Beanies guaranteed to all entries received prior to September 30th; otherwise, subject to availability (1st come 1st serve).
OVERALL top three (3) in male and female; PLUS top three (3) 5k finishers - male & female in each age category: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & over.