Race Preview: 2015 Steps to Safety 10k/5k

This year, as with previous years, the fine folks of the Marion County Domestic Violence Council (MCDVC) will be hosting the annual Steps to Safety 10k/5k which takes place Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Salem. The MCDVC consists of active community members and public agencies all committed to putting an end to domestic violence, an act that can happen to anyone regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion, economic status or gender and occurs every 9 seconds in the United States. If you're looking for a race that supports a great cause, this one definitely fits the bill. I ran this race a couple years back and I can attest that it was very well organized and was a lot of fun to run. Plus it's so great knowing that fifty percent of the race proceeds goes directly towards the Center for Hope and Safety (formerly known as the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Services) which provides support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, while the rest of the fifty percent helps to support future awareness events.

Over the years this race has grown quite a bit in both participants and in sponsorship. Just last year it also saw a change in race location, moving from Salem’s Minto Brown Park to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training building, which is where the race will take place again this October. This is a rare and super cool opportunity to race at a location used specifically for training law enforcement and other public safety professionals. The race routes appear to mirror last year’s routes, with a majority of each race taking place on the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course or EVOC. The 5k course can be found here and the 10k course can be found here.

Please note that the 10k is for runners only, whereas the 5k has both options for walking and running. The 10K race is scheduled to begin at 9AM and the 5k is set to follow with a 9:30AM start time.

Cost to register is $30 for individual runners (this includes a short sleeved performance tech shirt) or $100 for a team of 4. If signing up as a team, each team member needs to fill out their own registration form. Online registration ends October 7 while in-store/mail in registration ends October 8. Day of race registration is also available for any procrastinators out there, and it will begin as early as 7:30AM race day. Day of race registration prices are $35 for individual and $120 for a team of 4.

Post race goodies include awards, prizes, and refreshments. The awards ceremony will take place at 10:00AM. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers for both the 10k and 5k. Raffle prizes will also be handed out following the awards ceremony with prizes including a free pair of running shoes, local business gift certificates and more.

Packet pickup will take place at Chipotle (890 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, OR 97301). Chipotle will be donating 50% of all sales to The Center for Hope and Safety if you let them know you’re a part of the event. So make sure to grab some delicious lunch while picking up your bib.

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What: Steps to Safety 10k & 5k

When: Saturday, October 10, 2015; 10k starts at 9AM, 5K starts at 9:30AM

Where: Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Building, 4190 Aumsville Hwy Salem, OR 97301

Register online by 10/7 here

In store/Mail in registration (ends 10/8): Gallagher Fitness Resources 135 Commercial Street NE Salem, OR 97301