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| Contributed photo by Northscape Photography With a smile on her face, Cyndi Kimball of Easton theoretically runs for her life as “zombie” Calandra Blackstone attempts to thwart her survival efforts by stealing her flag during the WalkShuffleRun 5K held at Cary Medical Center on Sept. 7. Her will to live was strong, as she survived this encounter according to the game rules. A zombie-version of Felicia Blackstone is pictured in front, and both zombies are from Caribou. Kimball went on to finish the 5K in 37:55. |
By Natalie De La Garza
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The third time was the charm for the successful WalkRunShuffle 5K held over the weekend by volunteers of the Loring Job Corps Center and Cary Medical Center.
Though there was too much rain for the first two attempts to host the run, the weather was mild enough on Sept. 7 to successfully stage the zombie apocalypse.
Eighty participants braved the wooded trails of the Cary Medical Center to run just over three miles and evade the groping zombie arms of 20 volunteers waiting to steal the belted flags around runners’ waists — with the flags signifying whether or not a participant survived the zombie apocalypse.
Looking at the running results, showing that 50 people survived the zombies, there was a smile in his voice as organizer Graham Warne said “Boy, my zombies really need to try harder next time.”
A career preparation specialist at the Loring Job Corps Center, Warne worked with Center students and staff alongside Cary Medical center personnel to make sure that the first WalkRunShuffle got off on the right foot — regardless as to whether that foot was living or undead.
With proceeds from the event going to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, Warne has heard nothing but good things about the fun, family-oriented event that brought people together to run for their lives.
“The final tally isn’t in, but we expect we’ve raised around $650,” he said.
All ages and abilities came out for the unique experience, where the walkers and runners evaded the zombies walking about the Cary trails reaching for flags. Some volunteers even put extra energy into their zombie antics, hiding behind corners and brush to jump out at runners.
With Evan Desmond of Caribou running the 3.1 miles in 21:41 – the best time of the race — perhaps there’s no motivation like Zombie motivation.
As the experience is unparalleled in The County, Warne said he had some participants who just wanted to watch the race play out, walking or jogging through the course without survival-signifying belts.
Whether participants ran the course in 20 minutes or walked it in an hour, Director of the Pine Tree Chapter of the Red Cross Joyce Knorr was thrilled that the community came together to benefit those in need.
“They went above and beyond to do something so creative,” Knorr said. The $650 raised through the event is enough to assist one family of four for a week, providing them with clothing, food and shoes.
“We express our heartfelt ‘thank you,’” Knorr said to everyone involved with the fundraiser.
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| Contributed photo by Northscape Photography Not only was Trace Cyr nimble enough to escape the zombie clutches of Felicia Blackstone, at left, and Calandra Blackstone, at right, both from Caribou, Cyr went on to place first in the 12 and under category of the race, running the 5K in 23:24. He was at one point caught by a zombie and, by the rules of the game, did not survive the zombie apocalypse. |
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| Contributed photo by Northscape Photography Whether it’s a look of horror, surprise or strenuous effort — Gunner Hatfield had it as he evaded zombie Julie Blackstone of Caribou. Shown at right is Lawana McGuire. Both runners are from Limestone. |
