There are many reasons to get out and run, whether it’s for personal health or to raise money for a good cause. In addition to running in support of the Pace High School Band, Pace resident Zach Zito found another form of inspiration to run.
“It makes it easier to run with zombies chasing you,” Zito said.
Click here to view a photo gallery from the 'Eat Your Heart Out' 5K
Zito was one of the participants in the ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ Zombie Run 5K on Saturday. According to Tonya Westerkom, the event organizer, the 5K had nearly 50 participants register. As of this printed edition, Westerkom said it is not known how much was raised from the event, due to expenses.
Although the number of participants was down from previous zombie runs, Westerkom said she received a lot of positive feedback from attendees.
“One of the participants said it was the best zombie run they had participated in,” she said.
In addition to avoiding Pace High School band students in full zombie attire – including tattered clothing and zombie make up, participants also endured other obstacles. Participants also had to climb a wall and crawl under ropes and trucks. Pace Fire Rescue assisted in the 5K by hosing down runners as they passed by.
In the final stretch the runners also had to run up and down stadium seating at the school’s football stadium, before crossing the finish line which featured foam.
“It was more of a workout than I thought, but it was fun,” said Pace resident Matthew Chandler. “I would definitely do it again.”
Chandler said he will occasionally run in area 5K’s, the prior weekend Chandler participated in the Pensacola Double Bridge Run. Chandler also said he is a big fan of the popular television series “The Walking Dead.”
Along the trail, the Pace students dressed as zombies would attempt to grab the participants flags. Should the undead grab all of the participant’s flags, then the runner is counted as dead.
“I guess I didn’t survive,” Chandler said after revealing he had no flags remaining when crossing the finish line.
Another participant interested in competing in next year’s PHS zombie run is former PHS graduate Raven Stone, who won a ‘best costume’ prize following the 5K.
“I absolutely loved it,” she said. “I can’t wait to do it next year.”
Stone, a Pensacola resident, competed in the run while wearing a slightly-torn prom dress. She was also able to maintain her zombie make up throughout the course.
The former Pace High School graduate said she enjoyed the entire course.
“I enjoyed the zombies and the trails,” she said. "The best part was the foam finish.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ 5K presents zombies, obstacles for local runners (PHOTOS)