Local sports teams are encouraged to get involved in a Halloween-themed run which is being held in Sylvan Lake later this month.
The Zombie Run, which will take place on Oct. 27th at Top of the Hill Golf Course and hosted by Best Body Fitness, is a 3km obstacle course that participants run through as they are being chased by zombies. The zombies try to steal flags that are dangling from a runner’s belt. These flags represent a runner’s ‘life’. The runners must cross the finish line with at least one flag left on their belt.
“The concept isn’t new, it exists in the U.S., and is slowly growing into Canada. One of our clients is a big fan of zombies and was thinking it would be super fun, but didn’t want to travel so far to play,” said Scott McDermott, owner of Best Body Fitness and organizer of the Zombie Run. “I have been a race director for many events, and with all of the work we have been doing with boot camps, I knew that we had the structure and the staff to put something in place and it seemed super fun. So after some quick planning and logistical meetings I decided to take a risk and go for it.”
McDermott said he is looking for sports teams to volunteer their time to be zombies for the run.
“If sports teams will lend us 15 or more zombie volunteers, we will donate $250 to their team and the zombies will be free (normally $10 to be a zombie, with a $15 running coupon if they want to also participate that way). The volunteers still get their zombie shirt, food and prizes, plus free make-up.”
He added the idea to involve the sports teams came from his motivation to give back to the community.
“I am a firm believer in giving back to the community and to me there is nothing better, or more direct than donating directly to teams. Obviously I love seeing kids involved in fitness. I believe it is a solid foundation for life. Lots of big fundraising events raise money for super-sized corporations that use the money for wages and little else. I know for a fact that this money goes right to the kids for uniforms and supplies and I think that is cool.”
There are currently more than 115 runners registered and 35 zombies so far and McDermott said he would like to see that number double. He would also like to see this become an annual event.
“We are totally looking forward to having the event be annual and to see it grow. Having a super fun, family-friendly event for Halloween that encompasses fitness and the fun of dressing up just fits in with my ‘loving life’ philosophy. I believe that being fit give you options, and I think that this is a great option.”
For more information about the event, visit www.bestbodyfitness.com and click under the ‘Zombie Run’ icon or join the ‘sylvanzombierun’ group on facebook. Also call 403-887-7667.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
