This was my first time running the Wicked half marathon, though I had run B&S' Devil's Chase and Black Cat in the past. As usual, B&S did not disappoint! The … MORE
This was my first time running the Wicked half marathon, though I had run B&S’ Devil’s Chase and Black Cat in the past. As usual, B&S did not disappoint! The course was well marked and well supported. The views were amazing and the volunteers were first-rate. Proceeds benefitted the Salem Food Pantry, Salem Children’s Charity and Fit Girls Marblehead; Salem is one of my favorite cities as my Mom grew up there, and I’m so happy to support any local charities that B&S supports. This has quickly become my favorite fall half marathon and I plan on doing it again next year! 10/10 highly recommend.
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One of the best in New England!
This was my first time running the Wicked half marathon, though I had run B&S' Devil's Chase and Black Cat in the past. As usual, B&S did not disappoint! The … MORE
This was my first time running the Wicked half marathon, though I had run B&S’ Devil’s Chase and Black Cat in the past. As usual, B&S did not disappoint! The course was well marked and well supported. The views were amazing and the volunteers were first-rate. Proceeds benefitted the Salem Food Pantry, Salem Children’s Charity and Fit Girls Marblehead; Salem is one of my favorite cities as my Mom grew up there, and I’m so happy to support any local charities that B&S supports. This has quickly become my favorite fall half marathon and I plan on doing it again next year! 10/10 highly recommend.
Nice run in historic Salem
Not sure why this got such bad reviews. I thought it was a pretty decent race. They communicated very well. Had some nice views, although through town did have a … MORE
Not sure why this got such bad reviews. I thought it was a pretty decent race. They communicated very well. Had some nice views, although through town did have a lot of traffic. They gave decent swag that was a long sleeve athletic shirt and themed medal and bib (this was personalized) I think I did read somewhere that they give the same medal every year so that could be a problem for some but I don’t run the same race twice. Also nice post race goodies!
First time doing this race
Loved this race, only did it one time. Perfect course and went to Flatbread after and got pizza and beer. Great medal! Love the bib too, one of my favorites. MORE
Loved this race, only did it one time. Perfect course and went to Flatbread after and got pizza and beer. Great medal! Love the bib too, one of my favorites.
A 'wickedly' disappointing experience
I was very disappointed in many aspects of this race. First, there were no road closures, so be prepared to share the race path with significant traffic, including large trucks. … MORE
I was very disappointed in many aspects of this race. First, there were no road closures, so be prepared to share the race path with significant traffic, including large trucks. While there are traffic cops at the major intersections, many of them start to pack up as the runners start to thin out. One of my family members was the last to cross the finish line (well under the time limit) and was nearly hit by several vehicles and yelled at by a few drivers as he was trying to navigate his way to the end of the race. Secondly, there was minimal community support. I counted around 20 spectators total, and only two or three had signs. I’m not sure if it is because people did not know about the race, or just that the city has not gotten behind the idea of having a half marathon at the start of its big tourist season. Third, the race organization was pretty minimal. There was very little at the start and finish of the race to make it feel like an event, no pacers, no photographers, no tracking except for at the finish, and no aid stations (there were water/gatorade tables). And fourth, it just wasn’t very fun. You would think that at least the mile markers would have a Halloween theme (it is called the Wicked Half) but everything was very straight forward and generic — boring even. There was no themed music, costumes, or decorations. The one exception was the shirt and medal, which were fun and spooky. I hope in the future, the race organizers will take a little more time to make the experience safe, special, and fun for its runners.
My first half marathon
My first half marathon and I was not sure what to expect. Training did not go as well as I hoped, but Salem is one of my favorite small towns … MORE
My first half marathon and I was not sure what to expect. Training did not go as well as I hoped, but Salem is one of my favorite small towns and I was looking forward to it. I knew I would be slow so I took a spot near the back. This was also the inaugural half marathon, and now there is sponsorship so hopefully it is better.
The course started at the park, went through town, and out along the waterway. We went through some of the streets through the houses on the peninsula and back to the park. Good thing I looked at the course map ahead of time so I knew where I was going. There were plenty of volunteers at first, but as my slow pace dragged on, everyone started packing up. The last few miles there were no volunteers and no aid stations. Another guy was behind me and we kept going. Making it back toward town I followed the street signs that directed people to the park location. Running down the sidewalk two times people stopped me for directions. I guess I was so slow that they didn’t realize I was in a race. As I approached the end I could hear the band playing at the school and started to turn down a side street. The guy behind me yelled out that it was not the way to go. We were supposed to continue straight (but again, no volunteers to guide us). SInce he helped me, I waited for him and we walked toward the end together. The last quarter mile he thought he would run and leave me. No thank you – I kept up and we finished together. Being that we were the dead last two and there were no volunteers I felt very slow and challenged. Afterward I could barely walk for more than a day. That is the sorest I have ever been in a run.