By Chris Cassidy
SALEM — A new road race is in the works for Halloween morning, and, naturally, it will have an unusual, only-in-the-Witch-City twist.
"We're going to have devils hidden behind the course that will jump out and scare people," said Brandi Dion, a race organizer and co-owner of B&S Fitness.
Dion is working with the city's recreation department to organize the first "Runnin' From the Devil," a road race on Oct. 31 that starts and ends at Salem Willows.
The distance?
Exactly 6.66 miles.
Medals will be given to the fastest runners, but the real awards — cash prizes — will go to the fastest runners dressed as devils. Other awards will be handed out for the most elaborate devil costumes.
The race starts at 8 a.m., which could bring an early wave of visitors to a city that will prepare for tens of thousands that night.
Dion would like to see the race become an annual event, though it'll always be held on the Saturday closest to Halloween, she said.
A portion of the proceeds will be used as fundraising money for college scholarships for the Plummer Home for Boys and the Stephen O'Grady Foundation.
"I think this could become another staple in the community," said Doug Bollen, the city's director of park, recreation and community services, which is helping with the event. "There's something every season for runners in Salem."
As for the costumed devils trying to scare the field of runners, Dion said they'll be placed at undisclosed locations throughout the race course.
The race starts at Salem Willows, loops around the Common and continues down Derby Street before eventually returning to the Willows.
