Witch City 5K Road Race

The Witch City 5K Road Race takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM EDT at Salem Willows Park on Fort Avenue in Salem, MA, USA. This spooky 5K runs through the haunted streets of Salem — ghouls, ghosts, and goblins will be with you in spirit. The course is stroller and dog friendly (well-behaved, leashed dogs only).

Schedule:

• 7:00 AM — Race day pickup begins at Salem Willows at Dead Horse Beach
• 9:00 AM — 5K start

Registration and Deadlines:

• Online registration via Race Roster
• All sales final — no refunds
• Swag: T-shirt first come, first served while supplies last (must be picked up by race start)

Packet Pickup:

• Location: Salem YMCA, 1 Sewell St, Salem
• Dates/times: TBD (see event listing)
• Race day pickup: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM at Salem Willows

Awards and Prizes:

• Overall winners: 1st Place Male & Female medals
• Age groups: Top 3 Male & Female (13 & under, 14–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+)
• Open categories: Top 3 Non-binary, Top 3 Wheelchair
• Local honors: Special prizes for 1st Place Male & Female Salem residents
• Costume prizes: Best costumes awarded!
• Timing by Bay State Race Services
• Results posted at finish line and emailed post-race

Fundraising Levels:

• The Starting Line — Registration level
• The Lucky Cat — Raise $50
• The Pumpkin Carver — Raise $100
• The Good Witch — Raise $250 or more

Parking:

• Free parking in main lot at the Willows and along Fort Avenue

Charity — Salem YMCA:

• Raised $271.36 toward $5,000 goal (5%)
• Supports swim safety, youth development, childcare, and financial assistance
• Reinvests millions each year in scholarships for 25 communities

Sponsors:

• Great Point Wealth, Fresh Water Daily, Townsend Energy, Enjoy Your Life Brand

Sponsorship Levels:

• Friend Sponsor: $269.47 — 2 comp registrations, logo on shirts, race announcer recognition
• Support Sponsor: $536.94 — 4 comp registrations, table on race day, logo on all publicity
• Lead Sponsor: $1,071.89 — 6 comp registrations, preferred logo placement, table on race day
• Title Sponsor: $3,211.69 — 10 comp registrations, exclusive title sponsor flag, start/finish flap logo, invite to announce race start, priority logo placement

The Witch City 5K 2026 is a hauntingly fun road race through Salem's historic streets. Run for a reason, dress for the occasion, and support the Y's mission — every step helps the community.