
From the Organizer
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.
Contact:
Salem Parks & Recreation: specialevents@salemva.gov or (540) 375-3057
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
87°
Typical Low
67°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Roanoke Rgnl Ap, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
25,477
as of 2023
Elevation
1,018 ft
Nearest Airport
ROA
Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 82 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Salem Distance Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Rainbow Run 2026
6 miles away
Fort Lewis 5K
Less than a mile away
Joe LaRocco 5K and 1K Elementary School Run
Less than a mile away
Radford University Tartan 5k, A Twilight Run
6 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Salem Distance Run
Aug 8, 2026