The Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race starts at 8:00 AM on September 13, 2026, in Salem, Oregon, giving traveling athletes time to arrive the evening before or early morning without excessive pre-dawn logistics. Based at 200 Water St NE, the event offers four distance options: a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a 0.4-mile kids race. Entry fees range from $25 to $125 depending on the distance selected. This multi-distance format works well for mixed-ability groups or families with varying running experience. If you're booking accommodations in Salem for this fall race, plan for typical September weather and account for the downtown Water Street location when choosing your lodging.
From the Race Organizer
Runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy a fun, fast and beautiful course in Salem, Oregon. After the race, be sure to stay and enjoy music and awards, cheer on our kids race runners and enjoy award-winning Oregon wines and craft beer! Sunday September 13, 2026 Riverfront Park - Salem, OR Event Start Times: 8:00 am - Half Marathon 8:05 am - 10K 8:10 am - 5K 10:30 am - Kids Run (untimed kids 0.4 mile run or walk) What's Included: Official Race Shirt Special Finisher Medal An awesome finisher party including live music and award winning Oregon beer wine & cider Overall awards for top three male and female finishers Masters (40+) awards for top three masters male and female finishers in each race distance Age group awards for top three male and female finishers per category (See Below) An amazing day amongst friends, new friends and fellow participants! Key Event Details: Dogs and strollers are not allowed on the course . If you have little ones interested in being a part of race day, please consider taking part in our untimed kids race (they also receive a bib, shirt and medal)! All Race Courses are set to end at 12:30 PM. Half Marathon participants, please ensure you are able to complete the event in under 4 hours and 30 minutes (roughly 20:35 pace per mile) Packet Pickup: Packet Pickup will take place on Friday (9/11/26) and Saturday (9/12/26) and Sunday (9/13/26) Friday (9/11/26) - Packet Pickup from 4-8 pm at Willamette Valley Vineyards Salem Hills Tasting Room (8800 Enchanted Way SE Turner, OR 97392) All race participants age 21+ are invited to enjoy a complimentary seasonal flight during packet pickup. Stay for dinner and enjoy the beautiful views of wine country. Be sure to bring your ID! Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Willamette Valley Vineyards! Saturday (9/12/26) - Packet Pickup from 1-5 pm at Gallagher Fitness Resources (135 Commercial St NE, Salem, OR 97301) Sunday (9/13/26) - Packet Pickup from 6-7:45 am at Riverfront Park (200 Water St NE, Salem, OR 97301) PLEASE CONSIDER TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR FRIDAY & SATURDAY PACKET PICKUP OPTIONS Pre-Race offerings: Morning packet pickup, coffee, water and bananas for participants. Gear check available at registration booth. Post-Race: Enjoy a complimentary 5-ounce pour from our premier sponsor and exclusive wine provider, Willamette Valley Vineyards, or a 12 oz glass of craft beer or cider. Enjoy music and a variety of food offerings from local food trucks for purchase after the event as well as awards for overall and age group finishers. Parking: Please prioritize using Street Parking in Downtown Salem as well as downtown parking garages. Plan for plenty of time to arrive and get situated prior to the event. The Riverfront park Carousel Parking lot will fill very fast the morning of the event. Please plan accordingly! Day-of packet pickup ends at 7:50 am. The race will begin on time at 8:00 am. Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given for the overall winners, master's winners (age 40+) and the following age groups: 19 and Under 20 - 29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70+ Introducing the Cherry City Team Competition! Grab your friends and running buddies and be sure to register as part of a team/group during registration! Along with your individual race results, we will tabulate the race results for teams and will have awards for the top male and female teams for all three race distances! Are you a part of or lead a local/community Run Club? We would love to get connected with you! Please email us or send us a direct message on social media telling us about your group to see about specials offers and opportunities! Our mission is to empower the grassroots running and walking community and be a reliable and favorite race on your yearly training calendar! We Need Volunteers! Our event doesn’t happen without the support of the incredible community of runners, walkers and just all around great people who are willing to support the event. If you’re unable to participate in the Cherry City Half Marathon and still want to be a part of race day please consider volunteering. Aid Station Locations on Course: Half Marathon Aid Stations Location Water Electrolyte Drink Energy Chews/Gels Portable Toilets Mile 1 Yes Yes No No Mile 2.2 Yes Yes No No Mile 4.1 Yes Yes No Yes Mile 5.3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Mile 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Mile 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Mile 12.1 Yes Yes Yes Yes 10K Aid Stations Location Water Electrolyte Drink Energy Chews/Gels Portable Toilets Mile 0.9 Yes Yes No Yes Mile 2.2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Mile 4.1 Yes Yes No Yes Mile 5.4 Yes Yes Yes Yes 5k Aid Stations Location Water Electrolyte Drink Energy Chews/Gels Portable Toilets Mile 1.1 Yes Yes No Yes Mile 2.2 Yes Yes No Yes Courses: Please find our courses below! All additional information will be posted here when available. This event is organized by Ascent Racing LLC
Hotels Near This Race
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Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 13.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Salem, OR.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR?
Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR takes place on September 13, 2026. The race is held in Salem, Oregon.
Where is Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR held?
Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR is held at 200 Water St NE in Salem, Oregon.
Where can I find hotels near Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Race 2026 — Salem, OR?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Salem. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
