Race Preview: Great Salem Race 2019

It’s time to grab a few friends and create your team for the Great Salem Race! Of all the races during the year, this one is truly one of my favorites. The Great Salem Race is a scavenger hunt race for teams of 2-4 people. Whether you know your way around Salem or not, I promise you, you will have fun! Your team will get a list of clues at start time and then everyone is off in a variety of directions, depending on which clue each team decides to start with. Every year is different, but you are guaranteed to be running around like a headless chicken trying to find locations and complete tasks with your team. In the past, tasks have included creating a human pyramid, blowing up balloons (hard to do when you’ve been running!), saving a life – of a dummy, performing at a local coffee shop, convincing someone to let you walk their dog, picking up trash, and so much more all while documenting your tasks by taking photos. This race will have you laughing, sweating, racking your brain to figure out clues, Googling, trying to figure out directions, and don’t forget the running! I can’t wait!

You can choose from two different divisions for this event. The Competitive Division and the Casual Division. The Competitive Division will have you running about 3-5 miles and solving challenging clues while trying to finish in the fastest time.  The Casual Division will be a shorter distance, but with more riddles to solve. This division is ideal for families, walkers, or anyone just looking to have a lot of fun without the pressure of speed.

This event is organized by the Salem Young Professionals and proceeds go to the Inspire Foundation.

The Inspire Foundation is the charitable arm of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to develop the leadership potential of Salem area students and business professionals. We do this by providing business-focused educational programs and events in the areas of leadership, education and workforce development.

After the race there will be music and food at the finish area, as well as, awards for the Competitive Division.

I highly recommend the Great Salem Race! My team and I have had fun every time we’ve done this. You can read about my experience at last year’s event HERE. I’m rounding up my team now and expect to see you running around Salem on August 17. We’re going to have so much fun!

Great Salem Race Details

Date: Saturday, August 17

Time: 10:00 A.M.

Location: Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE, Salem

Entry Fee: $80/team  – before Aug. 1. ($100/team starting Aug. 1)

Race Website: Click Here