5K Zombie Run & One Mile Spooky Family Fun Run

Event Overview

The Rotary Club of Morganton will present their Second Annual Zombie Run 5K and One Mile Spooky Family Fun Run on October 10, 2026 at the historic Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton, NC.

• Start Time: Morning will start at 9:00 AM with participant check-in.
• Family Fun Run: Starting at 10:00 AM (dress in your Halloween best!).
• 5K Zombie Run: Starting at 11:00 AM.
• After Party: Followed by activities and food trucks with music at historic Courthouse Square.

What is the Zombie Run?

Who wants to run just a simple 5K? In a Zombie Run, you run a 5K while avoiding the advances of the Zombies!!

• Runners: Equipped with Velcro belts holding 3 flags.
• Goal: Finish the run with as many flags as possible.
• Zombies: Stationed intermittently throughout the route to try to steal flags.
• Awards: Participation medals and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for fastest times and most flags.

What is the Family Fun Run?

This run is for anyone who wants to be part of the festivities but doesn’t want to run 3.1 miles or interact with Zombies.

• Participation: Great opportunity for families and friends to run…or walk…together.
• Costumes: Wearing costumes makes it even more fun.

What happens after the runs?

There will be an after party back at historic Courthouse Square - a fall festival atmosphere to round out the day.

• Food Trucks: Two food trucks, The Firetruck Catering LLC and The Fat Cat Food Truck, will be on site.
• Brewery: Fonta Flora Brewery will be available.
• Activities: There will be games, music, and fun for all.
• Photo Booth: Make sure to stop by to get your friend/family portrait.

Cost to Participate

Registration for the Family Fun Run is $10. Fun Run participants receive two special gifts they can collect after the run.

• Zombie Run Registration: Starts at $30, increasing to $35 after September 1 and $40 after October 1.
• T-shirts: Zombie Run t-shirts ordered by 9/14/2026—register early for your size.
• Medals: All participants receive a medal: separate medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female survivors.

Proceeds

The Rotary Club of Morganton raises funds to distribute to organizations and agencies that help the community.

• 2026 Proceeds: Funds raised will be awarded to Blue Ridge Community Action Group and Mountain Aid Project.

Sponsors for 2026 Race

Stalkers: UNC Health Blue Ridge & Emerge Ortho. Lurkers: Packaging Corporation of America & Slava Ukraine. Roamers: Burke County Smart Start, Richie May North Carolina, Hannah's Wash Dry Fold, Burke4YOUth, Good Books, Opportunity Threads, Fonta Flora Brewery, Thompson Realty, Wendy B's Embroidery & Screen Printing. Creepers: Appalachian Naturescapes, Smith Builders, Electronic Sales & Marketing, Blue Ridge Energy, Edward Jones (Scott Brooks & Tyler Barnhardt).

We appreciate our sponsors!!!

Registration

Register here now! Send your questions to [email protected].