September 18, 2019
Sign up now to be part of SIU’s Night of the Living Dawg Zombie 5k Run
CARBONDALE, Ill. — A unique fun twist on the traditional 5k run is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale this Halloween season.
The Night of the Living Dawg Zombie 5k Run/Walk is set for Oct. 26 and everyone is welcome. Roles are open for zombies and good Samaritans as well as runners. There’s also a Kids Dash during this charity event, sponsored by SIU’s Recreational Sports and Services and the City of Carbondale’s 2019 Halloween Weekend celebration.
How does it work?
Just like any 5k event, the zombie run is a timed race, beginning at 4:30 p.m. But, for this event, each runner will be issued a belt with two detachable flags (like those used in flag football) before they begin the course.
The route begins and ends at the Student Recreation Center and winds its way through SIU’s scenic campus. As they run or walk, participants will encounter hordes of very slow-moving “zombies,” all intent on grabbing as many flags as they can.
In conjunction with Carbondale’s Halloween festivities, SIU offered a successful 5k Monster Dash last year, but organizers decided to take it to a higher level and make it an even more exciting event, hoping to draw an even bigger crowd of SIU students and community members, according to organizer Savannah Ashbaugh.
“We are excited about the opportunity to attract not only runners, but those who wish to dress up and get involved as Zombies or as Good Samaritan volunteers,” Ashbaugh said. “We hope to engage people from the Carbondale community and surrounding area as well.”
She also noted that the event is timed, to allow all those who play any part to be able to continue their fun downtown with the city’s festivities.
Prizes awarded
All who cross the finish line with at least one flag attached to their belts are eligible to win a prize.
The top three male and female “survivors” will win prizes. Prizes include a variety of Yeti coolers.
Immediately following the 5K there will be a Kids Dash for fun. No pre-registration is needed for the kids’ event.
Looking for zombies and good Samaritans too
Volunteers are also being sought to serve as zombies and good Samaritans.
Zombies are encouraged to wear scary costumes and makeup and enjoy the non-contact fun. They can also get their faces painted at the Student Recreation Center any time between 9 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., which is their check-in time. Children can join in the fun as well, but parents or guardians must be on hand to check them in, and to stay with younger kids.
Additional volunteers are also needed to serve as “Good Samaritans,” helping the runners navigate the course and assuring that the zombies stay in their proper “zombie zones.”
Sign up online
Register online to run in the zombie 5k or to participate as a zombie or good Samaritan. Or, contact Savannah Ashbaugh at 618/453-1275.
Runner registration prices vary, depending upon when people enter and group rates are available for groups of four or more as well. Runners who sign up by Oct. 22 are guaranteed an event T-shirt.
Proceeds help students affected by breast cancer
The proceeds of the zombie run will go toward the Saluki Strength Breast Cancer Scholarship fund. Each year in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SIU comes together for the Start Seeing Pink Saluki Strength awareness campaign.
Since the program began, SIU students who have been affected in some way by breast cancer have received more than $10,000 in scholarships.
For more information
For the complete details, schedule and online and printable mail-in registration, visit rec/siu.edu/classes-and-events/zombie5k.php. Or, contact Savanna Ashbaugh at 618/453-1275.
