RRCA selects City of Salem for 2011 Runner Friendly Community Designation
ARLINGTON, Virginia – August 30, 2011 – The Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, is pleased to announce the second round of selections for the Runner Friendly Community designation. Those communities are: Allen Park, MI; Carson City, NV; Decatur, IL; Knoxville, TN; Lawrence, KS; Lynchburg, VA; Missoula, MT; Reading, PA; Salem, MA; and The Woodlands, TX.
The goal of the Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner friendly and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming Runner Friendly Communities. Runner friendly communities can increase the quality of life, can improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and can provide for increased economic impact for the community.
“Each organization that completed our detailed application, on behalf of their community, clearly outlined how their community is meeting and in many ways exceeding our criteria,” said Jean Knaack, RRCA Executive Director.
RRCA RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY
Salem, MA – In Salem, the Wicked Running Club, along with other organizations in the city, have created races for all types of runners and distances, from the annual January 1st Frosty Four Race, to the Cross Country 5k Old Salem Green Race, to the summer WRC Wicked Kidz Race and to the Annual Wild Turkey Race, among others—there’s a race for every type of runner.
Salem offers running services to their youth as well, including: Summer Youth Track Club which attracts more than 50 kids a year, all ages track meet held each summer at the Salem High School track, and the Wicked Kidz half and full mile run at Forest River Park.
The Wicked Half Marathon, which started in 2007 with close to 400 runners, has tripled in size over the past five years. On Halloween Weekend, Salem is host to the Devils Chase 6.66-miler. Just in its second year, the 6.66m race has become a world-wide destination race. They’ve also added two new races for the 2011 calendar including the Black Cat 10/20miler in March and the Exteme 5K Urban run with 15 obstacles throughout the city in June.
Salem’s signature race, the Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run on Thanksgiving Day benefits youth programs at Salem Park & Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club. It’s the largest race on the North Shore, with more than 1,500 participants. In January 2010, Salem introduced the first ever North Shore snowshoe race at Olde Salem Greens gold course. At the time, it was the largest snow shoe race in New England and second largest ever in the Northeast. Learn more about Salem through this video.
Community leaders who provided support and letter of recommendation include Alison Phelan, Co-President, Wicked Running Club; Doug Bollen, Director, Park, Recreation & Community Services; Brandi, Steve, and Ashley of B&S Fitness Programs; Kimberly Driscoll, Mayor of Salem; and Shari Hewson, Co-President of the Wicked Running Club.