Events
USATF Championship 8k Entry
990 spots left. Registration Opens May 15, 2026 at 7:46am EDT
8k Run/Walk Entry (non-USATF members)
Place
SALEM, MA US 01970
Description
More than a race: It’s an event.
Mark your calendars! The North Shore's Running Event of the Summer is back this year and it’s better than ever! It’s a race and a party to benefit Girls On The Run, right in downtown Salem.
Come downtown on Sunday morning prepared to run a fun 5k or 8k course with your friends. Then get ready to relax at the RunFest with cold Notch Brewing Beer and live music from one of our favorite bands. Each bib includes a ticket for your first two beverages, then you’re free to purchase more for just $6 per beer. Non-alcoholic beers available as well. Prizes for fastest runners, age groups, and USATF team awards!
Early Bib Pick Up
Early Bib Pick Up Address:
Marathon Sports: 9 Paradise Rd., Salem, MA
We highly recommend getting your bib before race day to reduce the risk of delays. Although we will have plenty of volunteers handing out bibs on race day morning, lines can happen. The race will start at 9am sharp, even if people are waiting for bibs.
Marathon Sports in Salem has generously offered to host early Bib Pick Up. Schedule will be available this summer.
If you ordered a race t-shirt or medal, you will receive those items with your bib.
Race Information
Both walkers and runners are welcome!
Race day registration hours: 7:30am - 8:30am.
Start Times:
8k: 9:00am
5k: 9:20am
Festival Open: 9:30am - 12:45pm
Bib Pick Up:
You have three opportunities to pick up your bib BEFORE the race. Please do that to save time and avoid a line. The race will start at 9am sharp. Don't be in line if this happens. We've all been to races before and lines can be long. PLEASE arrive with plenty of extra time. Remember that we'll open bib pick up and registration at the race site by 7:30am for those who can't pick them up early.
Early Bib Pick Up
Early Bib Pick Up Address:
Marathon Sports: 9 Paradise Rd., Salem, MA
We highly recommend getting your bib before race day to reduce the risk of delays. Although we will have plenty of volunteers handing out bibs on race day morning, lines can happen. The race will start at 9am sharp, even if people are waiting for bibs.
Marathon Sports in Salem has generously offered to host early Bib Pick Up. Schedule will be available this summer.
If you ordered a race t-shirt or medal, you will receive those items with your bib.
Water:
There will be a water station near the start/finish in the festival area, as well as a station on the course. After the race, water will be dispensed from 5 gallon jugs in an effort to reduce plastic. It would be excellent if you bring your own bottle for the festival, but there will be eco-cups at the water stops on course.
Medals:
If you ordered a medal, you're in for a treat. They will be available for pick up at the BIB PICK UP location at festival before the race.
Beverage Tickets/ID
All runners will need to have their age verified, get a bracelet, and then get their beer tickets! Two tickets are included with your registration; those will be attached to your bib. You may purchase extra at the race if you want to. You can do this before the race, or after the race at the Beverage/ID Tent. We can take credit cards or Venmo. This is another opportunity to avoid lines: Get it done before the race if you can!
Pets:
You are welcome to race with your well behaved hound. Please start at the back of the pack to help keep everyone safe. We don't want anyone to step on Mr. Waffles. Remember pets are not allowed in the festival area after the race, so you'll need to bring Mr. Waffles home before coming to the party.
Strollers:
Strollers are welcome in the race, please start near the back of the pack to help keep everyone safe. Strollers can come into the festival area. Please be mindful of space.
Parking:
Use metered spots or the parking garages. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN RESIDENTIAL STREETS.
Cash awards are for the USATF divisions only. Non-cash awards will be given to the top 3 men and women overall, and top 3 men and women for the following age groups:
- 10-18
- 19-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60-69
- 70+
At the race, we will have vendors, a live band, and 2 beverages from Notch Brewing included with bib (more available for purchase)!
Course Information
The course is a mostly flat cruise out to Salem Willows, back through downtown, by Salem Common, then finishing at Notch Brewing for the festival!
Parking
There is a parking garage at the corner of Derby and Congress with metered parking. If you are coming from outside Salem, we highly recommend taking the Commuter Rail if possible. It's a quick jog from the train station to the race. You may also park at the MBTA lot for a small fee even if you are not taking the train. This is a great option. For more info, see the City's parking page: https://www.salemma.gov/parking/pages/parking-rates-locations-hours
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.northshorerunfest.com.
