Run!!!!! Zombies!!!!

From the Valley Shore YMCA: 

YMCA Run Of The Dead 5k Brings Life To Adventure Racing

You can run, but you can’t hide! The Valley Shore YMCA is hosting the first-ever Run Of The Dead 5k on Oct. 27 at Camp Hazen in Chester, Conn. Set just days before Halloween, this unique zombie run pits fleet-footed humans against legions of the undead in an immersive race for survival through the Connecticut woods.

“Bring your friends, bring your neighbors – this is one 5k you will never forget,” said Chris Pallatto, executive director of the Valley Shore Y. “It will be intense, but also just a ton of fun. Best of all, proceeds go toward YMCA community health programs and financial assistance.”

For the uninitiated, a zombie run is the closest you can come to experiencing a “real” zombie apocalypse. Each runner is given a belt with three flags, similar to flag football. The objective is to make it through the zombie infested course, past the man-made and natural obstacles, and to the safe zone with at least one of your flags left. The whole time you’ll be chased and ambushed by flesh eating zombies trying to take your flags.

After the race, rendezvous with your fellow survivors for food and music. All participants will also receive a commemorative Run Of The Dead 5k T-shirt. Survivors will be honored with a medal, while the infected runners will be given an antidote to stave-off the zombie parasite.

“Our goal is to set the scene for a real Zombie Apocalypse” explained Mike Storiale, YMCA Board Member. “We’re going to make sure that from the moment you enter the grounds, you feel like you’ve entered another world.”

Participants can register as a zombie, run as a human, or both. Zombies are expected to come dressed and ready to go, but makeup artists will be available for those who need it. All participants must be 14 years old or older. Register today at www.runof thedeadct.com.

The Run Of The Dead 5k is sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, Brown & Knapp Group Benefits, Tower Labs, Ivoryton Playhouse, Essex Printing, GS Promo Source, La Vita Gustosa, Cottage Whimsy and Esposito Photography.

About Valley Shore YMCA

The Valley-Shore YMCA serves 8,000 children and adults along the shoreline area at our 40,000-square-foot facility. Each year, the VSYMCA directly impacts the lives of thousands of shoreline residents through our cancer survivors program, Hope Is Power, while also teaching hundreds of local kids how to swim, good sportsmanship and leadership skills. Established in 1975, the Valley Shore Y is a non-profit organization focused on building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.