About the Black Cat 5K, 10 & 20 Miler
The course runs through Salem's historic streets and out into Marblehead, so there is genuine scenery to carry you along. The longer distance is a double loop of the shorter route, which makes it a popular tune-up for Boston. The terrain is road running through old neighborhoods, and aid stations carry water and sports drink, with fuel and bathrooms at the turnaround.
Packet pickup runs the afternoon before at B&S Fitness, the same facility that serves as race headquarters, with race-morning pickup available early for those who cannot make it the day prior. After finishing, the building opens for a catered spread: hot soup, breakfast items, fresh fruit, and baked goods. A local coffee outfit sets up outside with espresso and cold brew.
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Black Cat 5K, 10 & 20 Miler 2026 Results
Going by the 2026 results, this is a small, friendly field, with a competitive front end and a big recreational middle.
10 Miles Results · 2026
185finishers
1:01:12winner
1:38:18median
3:18:06cutoff
Top 3: Max Acree (1:01:12) · Mark Rosani (1:01:49) · Patrick Brickley (1:01:49)
20 Miles Results · 2026
91finishers
2:03:54winner
2:59:47median
3:46:18cutoff
Top 3: David Plotkin (2:03:54) · JASON BUI (2:15:16) · William Keefe (2:18:57)
The Black Cat 5K, 10 & 20 Miler has been held every year since at least 2020. That is as far back as RunSignup's records for this race go, so it may well be older.
How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
Distances & Start Times
10 Miles4/4/2027 08:00$75
20 Miles4/4/2027 08:00$85
3.12 Miles4/4/2027 08:00$35
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.
Plan Your TripWhere to Stay
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