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LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run

LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run

Salem's championship spirit fuels a fast, scenic half marathon through historic Virginia streets.

Race Date

Oct 10, 2026

Location

Salem, VA

Standout71

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location
Salem, Virginia
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 8K, 1 Miles, 2 Miles, 13.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
3,753

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Medal

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

Salem, Virginia, known for its championship sports legacy, extends that competitive spirit to its annual half marathon. First run in 2001 and now in its 12th edition, this race has become a fixture for runners seeking a well-organized event with a touch of local charm. The course, managed by Blue Ridge Racing, winds through charming neighborhoods, past the grounds of Roanoke College, and along the vibrant downtown business district.

With approximately 361 finishers on average, the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon offers an intimate yet engaging race-day atmosphere. Runners from around 18 states have discovered this event, with about 28% choosing to return year after year, drawn by its welcoming environment and the opportunity to pursue a personal best on its fast, flat certified course. The race starts and finishes at the Salem Farmers Market, a central hub for the day's festivities.

Beyond the individual race, participants have the chance to earn special recognition through the Virginia's Blue Ridge Triple Crown medal, a unique challenge for those who conquer multiple half marathons in the region within the same year. This adds an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie to an already well-regarded event.

Race-provided description

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!

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

Race Shirt (shirt size guaranteed only through 9/11/2026)

Start Location

Salem Farmers Market, Salem, VA, 24153

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

8K1 Miles2 Miles13.1 Miles

Quality Score

Standout71
Methodology
Heritage20/20

12 years running

Size13/15

~361 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

28% returning runners

Course & details6/15

5 timing sources · 8 photos

National draw7/10

runners from 18 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:22:55

Weather2/10

typical high 71°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

49°

Afternoon (High)

71°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.0"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

73%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 3,753 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

3,753

Median time

2:09:42

Latest turnout

357

States

35

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:054:15

Turnout by year

20182025

'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run?

The LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run take place?

It takes place in Salem, Virginia.

What distances does the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 8K, 1 Miles, 2 Miles, 13.1 Miles.

Is the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run course flat and good for a PR?

The LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run?

HalfRuns has finish records for 3,753 runners who have completed the LewisGale Salem Half Marathon, 8K and Kids Fun Run.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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