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Friday, May 24, 2013
Another zombie attack: Zombie mud run a ' tough' but fun event
by David Alvarez, published on October 23, 2012 at 1:44 AM
Storyline: Festivals and Events
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We are doomed! The days of George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” are long gone. No more slow-walking zombies trying to get you. You have to be quick, as was shown this Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Running Dead Zombie Mud Run event held at Gibson Ranch.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Thousands upon thousands (no official attendance released as of yet) of runners faced a 5K obstacle-course mud run at various intervals. Many runners came in uniform to compete.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Runners had to maneuver around military-style obstacles. They were given flag-football flags to wear around their waists, and zombies along the course attempted to grab the flags. Not only that, but these zombies were allowed to run to grab those flags.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Runners began running the course at 8 a.m. Saturday, and ran at half-hour intervals.
When I arrived, a long line of vehicles was waiting to enter Gibson Ranch, and parking near the beginning of the course was at a premium.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Lines formed and remained at the registration table throughout the day. Volunteers were recruited to alleviate the line, but to little avail. Lines also formed at makeup stations.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Obstacle courses included a couple of mud pits and other boot-camp-style obstacles. Injuries in this type of run can occur, and being chased by zombies did not make things easy for runners.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Runners who successfully ran and made it to the finish line, or the “Center for Disease Control,” as it was called, officially survived the zombie apocalypse. Participants who made it without at least one flag were considered lost to the world of the undead.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Blake Ottoman, one survivor, said, “Man, this was a tough run. I literally ran into one of the zombies who seemed to have taken his job too seriously. My girlfriend got knocked over by another zombie. It was an exciting run though, and we both made it. I hope they have this again, but maybe it needs more organization. We’re going over and grab some beers with some friends. See you next year.”
Other people also complained, but many more said how much they had enjoyed it. Many supporters sat on grassy areas waiting for their runners or zombies to end their race. Race results were posted at the event and a listing can be viewed online.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
On their Facebook Page, the staff at Running Dead noted, “Our apologies for our first year mistakes (first race ever for us) and please understand we are working very hard on fixing them.”
If you attended the event, what are your feelings about the event? What did you like or not like? What, in your opinion, would make this a successful event?
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Overall the event appeared to be enjoyable, which was quite evident as runners with glee in their faces ran with friends.
Zombies who volunteered for the event came in costume and makeup. Trash Film Orgy did some professional makeup.
Running Dead Zombie Mud Run
(Image by: David Alvarez)
Many sponsors helped make this a fun event, and for zombies, runners and guests, a beer garden was provided.
Most of the participants seemed to have enjoyed the race, meeting new and old friends and enjoying a beer or two as concession stands and the beer garden opened at 9 a.m.
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With that said, I paid $29 for my ticket, so I'm not really disappointed (if I had paid $70) it would be another story. When it's all said and done, it was a fun run with a couple buddies and we had a good time. If it is done next year I would most likely participate (assuming the creators learned from this year). So good job to the creators. :)
I was also disappointed that zombies were IN the obstacles, or were taking flags while you were waiting at an obstacle. SO MANY runners just skipped the obstacles to save time/avoid zombies. I strongly recommend the zombies be directed to guide the runners INTO the obstacles and leave them alone once there. I had my last flag taken at the last obstacle/mud pits from behind while jumping into the mud only to find three waiting zombies in the mud pit... all the while dozens of runners just skipped the mud pits. Defeated the point of going to a mud run IMHO.
Will do it again and would strongly suggest for a mini run/field crossing with little obstacles for kids under 13, check out Merrill's Down and Dirty Mud Run this weekend in Folsom to see the kids 1 mile course for ideas.