5K Zombie Run & One Mile Family Fun Run

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The Rotary Club of Morganton, with the sponsorship support of UNC Health Blue Ridge, will present their First Annual Zombie Run 5K and One Mile Family Fun Run on October 11, 2025 at the Courthouse Square in downtown Morganton, NC. The morning will start at 8:30 AM with participant check-in with the Family Fun Run (no Zombies to frighten the kids in the Fun Run) starting at 10:30, and the 5K Zombie Run starting at 11:00. The run will be followed by an After Party at Courthouse Square.

🧟 What is the Zombie Run?

• Unique Experience: Who wants to run just a simple 5K? In a Zombie Run, you run a 5k while avoiding the advances of the Zombies!!
• Flag Challenge: Runners are equipped with Velcro belts holding 3 flags and the goal is to finish the run with at least one flag left.
• Prizes: Flags will be turned in for prizes, plus there will be overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the fastest times.
• Strategy: In a world with Zombies, running fastest may not be the best strategy to preserve your flags - there is something to be said for not drawing attention to yourself.

⏱️ Timing and Finish Line

• Timing: Timers will be stationed along the route shouting out times.
• Finish Line: A timeclock will be located at the finish line.
• Sorting Finishers: Volunteers will be at the finish line sorting finishers.

👨‍👩‍👧 What is the Family Fun Run?

• Inclusive Event: This run is for anyone who wants to be part of the festivities but doesn’t want to run 3.1 miles or deal with Zombies.
• Family Opportunity: It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to run…or walk…together.

🎉 Post-Race Celebration

• After Party: There will be an after party with food and music back at the starting pavilions.
• Fun Atmosphere: A fall festival atmosphere to round out the day.

💰 Cost and Registration

• Registration Fees: Registration for the Zombie Run 5K starts at $30 - a bargain since the registration includes an awesome, high quality long sleeve T Shirt.
• Participant Cap: To ensure the event’s success, we are capping the number of runners at 500 participants.
• Price Increase: After September 12, one month before the event, registration cost increases to $35.
• Day of Registration: Registration on the day of the event, if there are any spots remaining, will be $40. Registration for the Family Fun Run is $10.

🤝 Proceeds and Impact

• Community Support: The Rotary Club of Morganton raises funds to distribute to organizations and agencies that help the community.
• Beneficiaries: The funds raised through this event in 2025 will be awarded to Burke County Habitat for Humanity and The Enola Group.

📝 Registration and Volunteering

• Register: Register here now! Sign up for the race.
• Volunteer: If you’d like to volunteer to help with the event, please contact Race Co-Chair Kim Van Sickler at kimvansickler@gmail.com.