The Rotary Club of Morganton will present their First Annual Zombie Run 5K and One Mile Family Fun Run on October 12, 2024 at Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton. The morning will start at 8:30 AM with participant check-in with the Family Fun Run (no Zombies to frighten the kids in the Fun Run) starting at 10:30, and the 5K Zombie Run starting at 11:00. The run will be followed by an After Party at the pavilions at the park.

What is the Zombie Run? Who wants to run just a simple 5K? In a Zombie Run, you run a 5k while avoiding the advances of the Zombies!! Runners are equipped with Velcro belts holding 3 flags and the goal is to finish the run with at least one flag left. Zombies are stationed intermittently throughout the route and they will try to steal the runners’ flags. Flags will be turned in for prizes. In addition, there will be overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes who manage to finish with the fastest times and all flags still intact. In a world with Zombies, running fastest, out in the lead, may not be the best strategy to preserve your flags - there is something to be said for not drawing attention to yourself.

Timers will be stationed along the route shouting out times; a timeclock will be located at the finish line; and volunteers will be at the finish line sorting finishers.

What is the Family Fun Run? This run is for anyone who wants to be part of the festivities but doesn’t want to run 3.1 miles or deal with Zombies. It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to run…or walk…together.

What happens after the runs? There will be an after party with food and music back at the starting pavilions - a fall festival atmosphere to round out the day.

What is the cost to participate and what is included? Registration for the Zombie Run 5K starts at $30 - a bargain since the registration includes an awesome, high quality long sleeve T Shirt. Since this is the first year of the run, to ensure the event’s success, we are capping the number of runners at 500 participants. After September 12, one month before the event, registration cost increases to $35. Registration on the day of the event, if there are any spots remaining, will be $40. Registration for the Family Fun Run is $10. Children 13 and younger will receive a special gift and there will be candy at the end for everyone.

Where do the proceeds go? The Rotary Club of Morganton raises funds to distribute to organizations and agencies that help the community. The funds raised through this event will be available to local groups who will apply through a grant application process as well as to support our club projects in community service. Our club has recently donated funds to The Enola Group for their Cozy Bottoms Cloth Diaper Bank, to the Emergency Shelter Network run out of Calvary Episcopal Church for cots, dividers and storage tent, and to provide comfort kits for children taken into foster care through the Department of Social Services.

How do I register or volunteer for this event? Registration will start in August - check back here at this website for registration details or check our Facebook page once registration opens. If you’d like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Club President Kim Van Sickler at [email protected].