Testimonials

Find out what people are saying about Wicked!

If you have something that you would like to share about the Wicked Running Club, please send a blurb to  wickedrunningwebsite@gmail.com.

“The best part about Wicked Running Club is that I’ve made some of my closest friends through the club. When I first moved to Salem I wasn’t a runner. Joining the club gave me tons of motivation and the opportunity to meet some terrific people. Wicked members cheer for each other at races; they encourage all runners no matter their speed; they volunteer and have a great time at events. We’ve got slow, mid-pack and super fast runners and all of them get support and smiles from club members. If I weren’t in this club, I doubt I would have completed first marathon in 2010. Go Wicked!” -Michele Campbell Club member since 2007 4/22/11

“Not only has being a member of the Wicked Running Club made running more enjoyable and a lot less lonely for me, it has also introduced me to many great people I would have never met otherwise. It feels good to have one group of friends where we are all equal as runners regardless of age, ability or anything else we have going on in our lives. Its a great support system that has improved my overall running tremendously.” -Beth O’Grady, club member for ___ years (since the start!) 4/21/11

“Since I joined the club, I’ve not only improved my running ability and knowledge, but more importantly, it is the support of Wicked members that have kept me going!  I’m running for my health primarily, and if I can improve my pace that’s a good thing too.  Whether it be a race that I haven’t done, I have always been able to find someone who has run it before and provided me with helpful tips.  The Toomey Running Clinics have brought me to a new level, and I’ve run distances that I never thought I could of before.  I’m proud to be a member of such a positive group of caring people, it is not just a running club it is so much more, go Wicked.” -Darla Johnson Member since September 2007   4/21/11

“When I joined Wicked, I was still new to running in general.  I had always had the impression that runners were untouchable and not friendly.  Two days after I joined Wicked, I found my impression was far from the truth.  I was registered for a race and thought I didn’t know anyone else running it. So I arrived more jittery than usual, because there’s always comfort in seeing a friendly face at the start of any race.  When I arrived, I was quickly approached by Tim Short and Rich Tomlins, also Wicked members.  Now, Tim and Rich have been members of the club for few years, and have been running long before that even.  Despite the fact that they are both light years ahead of me in running, and way faster than me, they still invited me to warm up with them, and they absolutely made me feel welcomed despite the difference in running ability.  It made no difference to them that I warmed up at a slower pace.  But the best part about it?  They were waiting for me at the finish line!  And I have learned that is the norm with all Wicked club members…no matter the distance, pace, or weather, we all start together and wait for every member to finish, and that makes me feel great every time.  It’s such an awesome feeling to have people cheering you on, and to know that I too can support people in accomplishing their goals.  Whenever I see a Wicked face at an event now, it’s like I’m on home turf every time!”-Kerry Gertz 9/2/08