If you tried to go to Pemberton Park in Salisbury last weekend and found it closed, that’s because almost 400 people were tucked away in the park running 5ks – 4,332 5k’s to be exact. Runners started the first 5k (3.1 miles) at 7 p.m. Friday, and ran until Saturday night at 7 p.m. How did they do it? That’s 24 hours of running! And add in camping and eating and wearing costumes, if only running weren’t enough.

Pemberton 24, a collaboration between local race organization Algonquin Ultras and Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism, welcomed 363 runners to the park last weekend. The solo category attracted 207 runners and another 156 people ran in teams of 4.

“It’s just a 5k” is the motto of the event and race director Trent Swanson uses that statement to encourage runners to run as many laps as possible. Participants can run one, run them all, or any number in between. If you run all 24 laps, you’ve made it 74.4 miles. The number of laps which were run ranged from 1, for someone who recently recovered from surgery to all 24. Thirty-nine individuals ran all 24 loops, with their few minutes in between loops to briefly rest and eat. You could run whichever laps you wanted, as long as you were at the starting line on the hour, and when you ran your last lap, that’s when you told the race director you were done and you “patched out,” earning a Pemberton 24 iron-on patch. Runners had to walk by the "Quitter’s Couch” at the finish of each loop – would it be motivation to keep going or a comfortable spot to land?

Unlike a typical running event, timing wasn’t as important for each loop, unless you wanted to be one of the top 3 to finish and earn an extra point besides the point awarded for completing a loop. Running between midnight and 4 a.m. also earned runners an extra point. Handmade wooden sundials, made by local craftsman Chase Gilbert of C.gilly were presented to the winners with the most points Saturday night.

For the weekend’s duration, the front lawn of Pemberton Park was turned into a giant campsite; the county had marked out spots for runners and teams. Runners arrived Friday afternoon setting up tents, some simple and some elaborate, and laid out their food and supplies. County tourism director Steve Miller oversaw the setup which included firepits in between rows and stadium lighting. Technology played an important role as the finish line was broadcast live on Facebook and a sound system was set up outside for music and 24 hours of announcements, trivia and commentary by Gabriel Matyiko.

The front lawn became known as "Tent City" for the runners

The race, in its fourth year, featured theme loops each 5k. Costumes were optional but some runners went all out with something new every hour. Running a race dressed like a clown or a zombie attracted a few people but the dinosaur theme was the most popular. A surprising number of people ran the loop in inflatable dinosaur costumes, which brought plenty of smiles late Saturday morning.

Events like this cannot happen without the support of our local business community, both by sponsorships and as participants. Race bibs with a moon and sun theme were designed and printed by Joey DiCarlo of DiCarlo Digital Copy Center. Other sponsors included Pepsi, Fixer Upper Health Club, Expert Wire, and Davis, Bowen & Friedel.

Local physical therapist Kate James was at the event with her new mobile Driven Physiotherapy van offering complimentary sessions to runners in between loops. She was assisted by local physical therapist and coach Kevin Levi-Goerlich. They had therapy tables set up on the lawn to provide care to runners.

Local food truck That Kitchen was at the event for the weekend’s crowd, and Playa Bowls of Salisbury surprised runners with full size smoothies on Saturday, in addition to having their menu available. The best costumed runner each loop also received a Playa Bowls gift certificate.

The community turned out in force to support this event, from participants and volunteers to local businesses. It’s no surprise Pemberton 24 sells out every year and attracts runners from all over. Follow Algonquin Ultras and Wicomico County Tourism for information and to be part of next year’s running adventure.