The Run For Your Lives 5K is unlike any other 5K you've ever run. First of all, it has zombies. Hundreds of them.
Waves after wave of runners line up at the start, awaiting the starting gun with no idea what to expect beyond the zombies. There are hurdles and obstacles to clear. Dark tunnels to navigate. Wooded paths to traverse. Water hazards to cross.
And flesh-starved zombies. Hundreds of them, chasing you. They can't touch you, but they don't want to. All they want are the ribbons hanging from your belt (think flag football, but with the undead). Lose all your flags and you're undead. Then you're on the other team. The newly undead head straight to the Zombie Transformation Center, where they're dutifully indoctrinated in the ways of zombies. Or they skip all that and keep running, but they don't win any prizes.
Some of these races draw thousands of people. Some are there to run. Some are there to chase. And some are there to just take it all in. When it's done, they all gather for an Apocalypse Party, which includes music, food and beer. Lots of beer. Even the undead like beer.
The races are held periodically around the country. I caught one not long ago and it was a riot. The next race is Saturday in central Washington, and there's still time to get in on the fun in Missouri on August 18th.
Photos: Sol Neelman/Wired
