City of Salem gears up for first half marathon

SALEM (WSLS 10) - Hundreds of runners will lace up their shoes Saturday for the first Lewis Gale Half Marathon in Salem.

City leaders said, the 13.1-mile course will include 3 miles uphill.

About 600 people from 20 different countries are registered to run.

"We didn't know what to expect we've been planning for this for almost a year and half and our number one goal wasn't the number of runners but to put on a first class event that eventually could grow for years to come," John Shaner, Salem's Director of Parks and Recreation said.

The race begins Saturday at 9 a.m.

Certain roads will be closed during the race.