Groups of runners tried to escape the wrath of zombies during the second annual Lewisburg Community Garden’s Zombie OutRun 5K Chase Race on Oct. 5. All proceeds from the event benefited the Community Garden.

Prior to the event, volunteer zombies underwent “Being a Zombie 101” training where they learned the rules of the event and how to be a zombie. Zombies also got “zombified” by professional makeup artists so they could look and play the part of a zombie.

Runners had only one thing on their minds during the chase: survival. Unlike a typical 5k, runners ran the race while being chased by a hoard of zombies. Each runner had a flag football belt with three flags attached that was tied around his or her waist. In order to survive the zombie attack, a runner had to cross the finish line with at least one flag still attached to the belt.

Runners ran a 5k course through downtown Lewisburg and the University campus. Runners had to stay alert during the entire race because zombies were ready and able to attack at any moment. Zombies were lurking around the course and were ready to steal flags from runners in order to “infect” them.

“We got painted up as zombies and got to chase down runners for their flags. The race was a lot of fun, and we all had a great time!” Joshua Brown ’16 said.

At the end of the race, any runner who had at least one flag left was placed into the survivor category. Winners of the race received trophies, and a prize was given to the “Most Valuable Zombie.” Survivors, victims, and zombies alike seemed to enjoy themselves at the event while supporting the Lewisburg Community Garden.

“[The Zombie Run] is a great way to have fun while also being able to support the community and give to charity. I’ve always had a great time at the event, and I have yet to be infected, so I’ll definitely be back next year!” Daniel Beyh ’16 said.