Runners and walkers will have the opportunity to travel through 187 years of history as Salem camp meeting hosts the Salem Sweet Spirit 5K Race Saturday, July 11, at Salem Campground.

The 3.1-mile race course follows paved and unpaved roads and footpaths through shaded woods and past structures dating to the 1840s, including the historic tabernacle where revival services will be held July 10-17 at the annual camp meeting.
The race begins at 8 a.m. with awards following. Field day events for all ages, known as the “Wide World of Salem Sports,” begin at 9 a.m. Competitions range from the broad jump and Frisbee toss to peanut rolls and egg tosses. The field day events are free.

An 11 a.m. worship service at the tabernacle follows the field day events, and a free lunch for youth will be served at Noon.
“This is an opportunity for local residents to have some fun and learn more about campmeeting,” said event organizer Joe Cook, a Salem trustee. “We’ve got 187 years of tradition here; the goal is to make the 5K race a new tradition.”

Registration for the race is $30 for adults and $25 for those 17 and under. Participants can register online at http://www.salemcampmeeting.org/sweetspirit5k.html or on race day. Proceeds from the event will be used to preserve the historic campground and produce the annual interdenominational revival program. All runners receive event t-shirts; awards will be given in all age groups.

Worship services will be held at 11 a.m. and 8 a.m. each day during campmeeting, with Bible classes for youth and adults and morning devotional services July 13-17 Bible classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and morning devotional services begin at 7:30 a.m.

The Campground is located at 3940 Salem Road in Covington between Covington and Conyers. Race day registration will be held at the tabernacle beginning at 7 a.m.

Race timing will be provided by Athens Running Company. The event is sponsored by Huck Tours and Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP.

For more information, contact Joe Cook at 706-409-0128.