Run Away From Zombies in Yorktown to Benefit Special Olympics

Special Olympics organizers have found a fun and exciting way –just in time for Halloween – to raise money for its programs by holding a 5K 'rUNDEAD' race.

Participants will have the chance to escape from the "zombie apocalypse" on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown.

Runners will start off with a flag belt and three flags representing their lifelines. Zombies will be stationed throughout the course attempting to take the flags one at a time. Once a runner loses all three flags, they are "dead" and the zombies have won. While the runner can still finish the race, they will not be eligible for awards. 

Teresa Gilli, Director of Development for Special Olympics, said she looks forward to seeing all the costumes and having the community come together to support Special Olympics.

"Zombies are a big craze and [I] wanted everyone to have a part of this exciting new event," she said. "What a better place than Yorktown to do this."

You can register in one of two flights – the competitive "Fast Food" group or the non-competitive "All You Can Eat" group. Participants can register online as an individual or a team in advance for $30 at www.2013rundead.kintera.org/FDR or sign up that day for $35.

Each runner will receive access to the course, race day festivities and an official rUNDEAD race day t-shirt. Those who do not wish to run have the option of registering to become a zombie. Each zombie will be transformed at the “Mob Tent” the morning of the event. Zombies have the option of registering as a “Hunter” who can chase runners or a “Crawler” who can stumble, walk or shuffle after their pray to try and steal their flags. 

You can register as an individual or a team for $30. Each zombie will receive their official transformation, an official rUNDEAD race day t-shirt, participation in race day festivities and the thrill of the chase. 

Race day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the race starting at 10:30 a.m.

To register or for more information visit: www.2013rundead.kintera.org/fdr or www.facebook.com/rundead-hvr.