The Athens Conservancy is hosting their second annual Zombie Fun Run and Walk this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Lake Snowden, U.S. 50.
Races have been known for their high levels of competition, but this weekend it will truly be about survival of the fittest.
The Athens Conservancy is hosting their second annual Zombie Fun Run and Walk this Saturday at 4 p.m. at Lake Snowden, U.S. 50.
This 5K race has some unusual quirks. Runners may sign up as either a normal runner or a zombie. Running as a zombie entails chasing the normal runners and capturing flags around their waist.
Tickets are $15 ahead of time or $20 the day of the race. Prizes for winners will be distributed as well as door prizes.
“We’re really depending on the weather,” said Mary Reed, race director of the Zombie Fun Run and Walk, and fundraising coordinator. “We hope Ohio University’s Dads Weekend will hopefully bring in a larger crowd.”
Once captured, the runners also become zombies. Looking the part of a zombie will also be fun as the Athens High School Drama Club will be zombifying those willing.
“I think the Zombie Run (is) perfect for students and their dads, because they get to go out and enjoy the beauty of Ohio,” said Tyler Murphy, freshman at Ohio University and account associate for the Athens Conservancy. “Plus, there’s a lot more components to this run and is a lot more fun when you get to dress up like a zombie and run for charity rather than just a normal 5k.”
Last year, the Conservancy raised a little under $1,000 from this run as the money contributes their general funds, said Reed. There are multiple active projects including Athens-Belpre Rail Trail, a project in hopes to expand the bike path all the way to the Ohio River.
“Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we have a shelter house and a fire for after the race,” said Reed.
Keith Wilde, volunteer in charge of concessions, will be showcasing plenty of food at Lake Snowden, with the run’s sponsors: Avalanche Pizza, Kiser’s Barbeque, Snowville Creamery and Healthy Concessions.
“We are pursuing healthy concession initiative,” Wilde said. “We saw Healthy Concessions as an opportunity to try out this idea with local businesses. They are able to showcase a healthy item in which people from the run can enjoy.”
Avalanche Pizza will be featuring healthy foods like their veggie calzone. Kiser’s Barbeque is also having vegetable chili. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate and s’mores will also be available.
“The food is going to be fabulous. This will be the best food you will have after a 5k ever,” Wilde said.
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