Zombie Invasion 5K comes to Blackberry Farm

Submitted by Fox Valley Park District

The Zombie Invasion 5K will invade Blackberry Farm on Saturday, Sept. 21, where a “race for survival” will spread across the grounds as darkness descends.

Beginning at 5 p.m., this running event is a whole different race. Participants will not only run a 5K, but will be forced to scurry through a sea of zombies and a minefield of obstacles.

“You're not just running … you're running to escape,” said race organizer Anna Kish of the Fox Valley Park District. “Zombies rise from everywhere like the living dead, and there are obstacles at every turn. It's a race for survival.”

Three different levels of participation are available — racers, zombies and spectators. Racers will wear a three-flagged belt, hoping to cover the 5K in the fastest time and finish “alive” with at least one flag.

Participants also can sign up as Stumbler zombies (slow movers who haunt and horrify racers) or Chaser zombies (predators whose aim is to snatch racers' flags).

Afterward, racers and zombies will come together to enjoy live entertainment, food, beer, wine and assorted beverages around a bonfire.

Registration ends Thursday, Sept. 12. Sign up online at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or in person at any park district community center. For groups of four or more, each entrant receives a $5 discount.