Run of the Dead returns Sunday

in Chester

Hordes of hale and hearty humans set out for a leisurely jog along a local trail, only to find themselves dodging flesh-craving zombies.

It's not a plot device from of AMC's "The Walking Dead." It's a scene from the Sunday's Run of the Dead to benefit the Valley-Shore YMCA.

The Run of the Dead returns to Chester's Camp Hazen this year after a successful debut last fall, which attracted about 300 participants, Valley-Shore YMCA Executive Director Chris Pallatto says. Of those, about 40 chose to run as "zombies," while the rest - the "humans" - hit Hazen's trails, trying to avoid losing one of their three "lives"- represented by flags tucked into their clothing - to the undead enemy.

Again this year, runners may participate as a human or a zombie. The goal for humans is to "make it through the race with at least one of your flags left," according to the website www.runofthedeadct.com. "At the start of the race, zombie participants will be released first so they can infiltrate the course and prepare ambushes at key locations. There will be the chance to regain health during the race by completing additional objectives... (Throughout), obstacles and post-apocalyptic scenery test your ability to survive the zombie invasion."

The Run of the Dead committee, which comprises about eight members and relies on 50 volunteers on the day of the event, has made a few tweaks to this year's run.

"We took the feedback we got last year and ran with it (pun intended). We've created a new off-course environment with activities and free food, as well as adjusted the course to create a better overall experience," event co-chairman Mike Storiale says.

While runners were released onto the trails in waves last year, this year they will set out at roughly the same time, in 3-minute intervals. This, Pallatto says, will make for "a more festive after-party," another new addition. Participants are invited to a barbecue at the conclusion of the event. The cost is included in the registration fee, and wrist bands for guests and spectators are available for $5 per person.

There will be a bigger emphasis on family this year, Pallatto says. A kids' fun run will kick off the event at 10:45 a.m., and there will be family-friendly activities.

"Our goal for the race is to provide families and individuals with a creative, fun and active outdoor experience," he says. "Despite the macabre title, the event is truly a family-friendly event from start to finish, with ... lots of shrieks of laughter."

THE DETAILS

The Run of the Dead is on Sunday at Camp Hazen, 204 W. Main St., Chester. The kids' fun run begins at 10:45 a.m. All kids will receive a medal. The race begins at 11 a.m., with waves of runners released onto the course every few minutes. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m., but it is recommended that participants pick up their packet on Friday, Oct. 24, between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 25, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Valley-Shore YMCA, 201 Spencer Plains Road, Westbrook. Zombies must arrive at 10 a.m. on the day of the event for a meeting to review the course, finalize makeup, etc.

Footwear appropriate for a trail run is suggested. The first 300 participants will get a T-shirt. A barbecue will be held for all participants following the run. The cost is included in the registration fee; spectators and guests can purchase $5 tickets for the barbecue.

For more information and to register, visit www.runofthedeadct.com. The cost to run as a human is $40. The cost to hunt as a zombie is $20.