A horde of gruesome, rotting zombies is poised to descend on the Polly Ann Trail where they will satisfy their unnatural hunger by feasting upon the tender flesh of innocent runners.
But don’t worry, it’s all for a good cause and nobody’s really going to be eaten alive ? well, maybe.
The trail’s management council is organizing its first-ever Zombie Fun Run fund-raiser for Saturday, Oct. 25.
Proceeds will benefit the trail and its users.
‘I was just trying to find something different,? explained Trail Manager Pat Ball. ‘I’m not a zombie person myself, but a friend of mine ran in a zombie run over at Holly state park a couple years ago with his kids and he said he had a great time.?
The event will begin and end at the Orion Center located at 1335 Joslyn Rd. It kicks off at 6:22 p.m.
Why the odd time?
‘It’s exactly 30 minutes before the sun officially sets,? said Ball, who picked the time to invite questions and generate interest.
Participants can choose to be either a runner or a zombie.
Runners will be tasked with the challenge of hoofing it for 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) along the trail. Each will carry two flags on a belt, the same type of setup used for flag football.
The goal is to cross the finish line with both flags. The first three runners to do this will receive a ‘spooky award.?
So, what’s so hard about that?
Well, along the way, participants dressed as zombies will be lumbering around in groups of three or four, attempting to steal those flags.
‘We’ll spread them along the trail,? Ball said.
The zombies won’t be allowed to move quickly like living people in order to catch the runners. They’ll be required to move about at a much slower pace.
‘They’re going to have to act like zombies,? Ball said. ‘They’re basically walkers. They can’t run.?
But he noted ‘they can be sneaky,? so it will take more than mere speed to avoid becoming zombie fodder.
‘That path is pretty narrow in that area, so people are going to have to be quick and (able to) maneuver,? Ball said.
Unlike other running events, Ball said this one is more focused on just having fun as opposed to keeping track of and comparing times.
‘It’s not about who ran the fastest,? he said. ‘I’m hoping that it’s a fun evening for everybody of all ages ? those who like to dress up and those who like to run.?
Because this is the first year for this event, runners will be limited to 200 and zombies to 50.
Four-to-one definitely puts the odds in the runners? favor, but as countless movies and television shows have demonstrated, never underestimate zombies. They’re relentless.
Early registration is encouraged and can be done by visiting www.active.com
From now until Oct. 15, the registration fees are $30 each for runners and $20 for zombies. Each participant will be given a belt and two flags, but they are required to bring their own flashlight.
After Oct. 15, participation fees increase to $35 for runners and $25 for zombies. Registration on the day of the event will cost $40 for runners and $30 for zombies.
The purpose of the Zombie Fun Run is to raise money to fund the purchase and installation of three bicycle fix-it stations for the trail.
Each station will include helpful things to aid bicyclists such as an air pump and a set of about eight tools including wrenches and screwdrivers.
‘Simple things a biker would need to do some simple repairs along the way,? Ball said.
The tools would be connected to a cable, so they couldn’t be stolen.
Ball would ‘like to see? these stations placed along the trail in Orion Township, Oxford Village and the Village of Leonard.
He estimated the fix-it stations will cost about $1,500 each, which includes having them mounted in cement bases.
‘I’m hoping to make enough money in the first year to get at least one,? he said.
In addition to signing up runners and zombies, Ball is also looking to recruit volunteers to help register participants on the day of the event, set up the course and serve as a safety patrol along the route.
‘If I had 25 people, I would be in great shape,? he said. ‘I have seven as of right now.?
People interested in volunteering for the event are asked to please e-mail Ball at patmctm@gmail.com.