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Jakarta Post

Running with zombies

A unique and innovative idea to make the best of running a race

Dhika Himawan (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Sun, August 25, 2013

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Running with zombies

A unique and innovative idea to make the best of running a race.

Running isn'€™t just about getting a healthy and fit body anymore. It has now become a source of entertainment for many people. runforyourlives.com gathers people who seek an alternative kind of race.

The website features a 5-kilometer obstacle race in which the competitors are chased by zombies. It is equipped with a breathtaking video of runners racing to the finish line with zombies catching up and multiple obstacles preventing them from running any faster.

Before registering for these phenomenal races '€” located in the US '€” a participant can choose the area in which the run is staged. A list of upcoming races is also posted, complete with the location, dates, as well as the percentage of runners that have registered.

People can choose whether to become a runner or a zombie. Anyone above the age of 14 can apply as either one of two types of zombie: A chaser zombie or a stumbler zombie. The chaser zombie role is open to people who are willing to run and catch up with the runners and chase them off. On the other hand, a stumbler zombie is suited for those who are interested in intimidating the runners by stumbling, crawling, shuffling, dragging or any other slow movements. Whether one applies as a runner or as a zombie, a registration fee of US$45 is charged to join the race.

As the obstacle is 5 kilometers long, it will be impossible for runners to constantly sprint to avoid getting caught by
zombies. Zones are created so that some areas are zombie and obstacle free. In addition to the already difficult task of getting to the finish line, racers have several tags attached that they have to protect from the zombies.

If one finishes the race without any tags, the runner will still receive a medal, but they will be labeled as infected. To become a survivor, the goal is to end the race with at least one tag left. All this information is categorized into different pages along with the rules and regulations before one registers.

In return for all the efforts of the runners and the zombies, the race isn'€™t the only thing to remember. There is also an apocalypse party, where zombies and racers socialize with the company of music and various kinds of food and drinks.

A separate registration is also available for vendors and sponsors who are willing to support and provide for the apocalypse party.

Another separate link guides participants who are willing to volunteer to help with the technicalities during the race. Several opportunities are available, such as race volunteers, course officials, and even charitable partners. People who are interested have to apply online to be briefed with the job description assigned. The neatly organized website provides complete information and online registration to avoid the hassle of thousands of participants creating a hubbub on the day of the race.

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