Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse?
Run For Your Lives, a 5K obstacle race, prepares anxious humans for a post-apocalyptic world. A world where zombies roam the streets in search of brains.
Getting hosed off after the race
First organized in 2011 at Camp Ramblewood in Baltimore, MD, Run For Your Lives attracted 12,000 people and in 2012 expanded to 11 more locations. Registrants can either sign up as a zombie or as obstacle race participants. Zombies are encouraged to show up in their own costume, though they are supplied with wardrobe and professional make-up.
At the race in Amesbury Sports Park, I saw cowboy zombies, clown zombies, graduation zombies — you name it.
The Zombie Obstacle Race Course
So how does the race work, exactly? Well, like other obstacle races, participants trudge through mud and physically taxing obstacles. Throughout the course, zombies are positioned to try and steal one of 3 flags that each participant wears. It’s similar to flag football, though much more startling–I had zombies sneak up from behind, dart out from behind trees and leap up out of ditches. Fun stuff.
In Amesbury, the first obstacle was a large hill.
Participants are placed in waves of 300-450 people, depending on the course. Obstacles are natural and man-made. At the race in Amesbury, I ran through chest deep water and mud, crawled under an electric fence, sprinted through a zombie-infested open field and nearly fell into a trap following a sign through a door that said, “Free Cookies in Here!”
Throughout, but mostly after the race, the Apocalypse Party features food, drinks, vendors, live music and games. Camping is highly encouraged.
How I Would Survive the Zombie Apocalypse
With a shot gun, of course. And some duct tape.
Despite a triumphant battle, my third flag was ungraciously yanked from my loins about two-thirds of the way into the course. Of the 5 other members on my team, one person survived! Again…shot gun.
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Sounds like a good time. I like the cookie-baited trap!