The zombies are coming

Nearly 100 people ran for their lives through the trails of Adanac Ski Hill and Rotary Park at The Zombies Are Coming five-kilometer race. 

“In the spirit of Halloween, we thought having a zombie run seemed like a good idea,” Lise Edwards, race director and owner of TriStyle Fitness, said. Zombies, ghosts and ghouls were stationed along the course, offering up frightening doses of encouragement for the runners. 

“The volunteers really did a great job dressing up as zombies,” said runner and race participant Mike  Nawalaniec. “The trail was littered with severed body parts, blood, a graveyard. I was actually frightened only once. On the way back, I was leading and not noticing anyone around when somebody called out from the bushes 'Grrrr.' I'd say it made my heart beat faster, but I was already at my maximum.”

Like many of the runners, Nawalaniec ran in costume. 

“I really liked running in costume,” he said. “As an adult you sometimes forget that it is so cool to be somebody else. As I was running back to the finish line, everyone kept encouraging me 'go Batman.' I actually felt like Batman which was pretty awesome, as I am a big Batman fan. I would respond as best I could like Christian Vale in a raspy voice.”

Nawalaniec said he is planning to do a haunted half-marathon with friends this weekend too. For those interested in a spooky run, Edwards said it's “absolutely” something she will run again.

Everyone who participated was encouraged to bring canned food donations for the Sudbury Food Bank — Edwards said its a tradition she hopes to keep up in future races.