I guess it all started with the Rugged Maniac a couple of years ago… Once you run one of these crazy, not for the faint of heart races you end up on a list or Facebook stalks you and posts and ads come your way. At least that is what seems to be happening, I am getting emails, suggestions to like pages and other info about crazy running races. The problem is that instead of deleting them, my insane midlife crisis self looks at the information and then passes it along to my equally irrational friends who encourage reckless behavior such as signing up for the latest ridiculous race. That is why this past weekend, Ron, Jessica and I ended up running the Zombie 5K. This race is a non timed “fun run” where you run 5K while maneuvering through obstacles while being chased by zombies. You start the race with 3 flags and if the Zombies have not captured all your flags by end of the race you are a survivor. If you have no flags at the finish you are infected. Right. The race supports and funds are raised for an amazing foundation that specializes in childhood brain injuries –Kennedy Krieger Institute.
On Saturday we awoke to a chilly day with bright blue skies and we were ready for the Zombie Apocalypse! After a hearty breakfast of bagels and caffeinated beverages we piled into Jessica’s jeep and headed to the Aviator’s Sports Complex in (the) Brooklyn.
A beautiful morning for the Zombie Apocalypse!
When we arrived at the race course we were greeted by other runners decked out in running gear and then of course, there were the zombies. People had put together elaborate costumes and the make-up was professionally done. These were some freakishly scary looking undead. I am not a huge fan of horror movies and was very happy that this was not a night time race. Creepy.
Even the fast food giants will not be safe during the invasion!
After making last minute preparations- going to the bathroom a few times, adjusting our flag belts and putting our team uniform together, we checked our gear and headed over to the stage area. The hilarious and talented d.j. was stating the rules (basically keeps your hands to yourself and play fair) and pumping up the energy of the 11:00 wave. Then the real fun began…
Go Team!!
Our inspirational team shirts! “I like you but if Zombies chase us, I am totally tripping you!”
BEFORE!
Counting down, they released us on to the course. Unlike other races where the people at the front usually race ahead, in this run everyone tended to stick together as a pack, constantly on the lookout for the walking dead. There is definitely safety in numbers. We climbed over obstacles and tried to strategize on the fly, but basically we all just tried to out run the zombies. And for many it worked and for a great many more it didn’t.
After completing the last obstacle of jumping into a dumpster full of ice cold red tinged water, running through a gauntlet of brain eaters, diving under a fence and belly crawling to the finish, we had made it! Well, two of us had anyway…
AFTER!!
Looking good =)
Unfortunately I was infected. So if you notice any strange behavior over the next few weeks, that could be why. I seem to be easily distracted by brains…
Two survivors, two infected!
The good news is that we all celebrated with beer 🙂
Beer Me.
I am sure I can speak for the group when I say we had an absolute blast. So much fun. We even met a new friend and teammate, Roy. Thanks for sharing in our adventure, tons of fun spending the day with you.
So, when the next email/post comes around advertising another crazy race, I will probably consider signing up again. Anyone want to join?? I bet you do.
P.S. We did lose one team member to the flu right before the race, or maybe that was just an excuse, haven’t seen Becky in awhile… maybe she has been zombified 😉 We missed you Becky, the next race has your name written all over it!!!
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It's Always An Adventure 