5K Zombie Run & One Mile Family Fun Run

🏃‍♂️ Event 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?

• Challenge: Who wants to run just a simple 5K? In a Zombie Run, you run a 5k while avoiding the advances of the Zombies!!
• Flags: 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, and there will be overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the fastest times with all flags still intact.
• Strategy: In a world with Zombies, running fastest, out in the lead, may not be the best strategy to preserve your flags.

⏱️ Timers and Support

• Timers: Timers will be stationed along the route shouting out times.
• Timeclock: A timeclock will be located at the finish line.
• Volunteers: Volunteers will be at the finish line sorting finishers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What is the Family Fun Run?

• Inclusivity: 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.
• Activities: It’s a great opportunity for families and friends to run…or walk…together.

🎉 What happens after the runs?

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

💲 What is the cost to participate and what is included?

• Registration: Registration for the Zombie Run 5K starts at $30 - a bargain since the registration includes an awesome, high quality long sleeve T Shirt.
• Cap: We are capping the number of runners at 500 participants for the first year of the run.
• Price Increase: After September 12, registration cost increases to $35, and on the day of the event, if spots remain, it will be $40.
• Family Fun Run: Registration for the Family Fun Run is $10 and children 13 and younger will receive a special gift and candy at the end.

🤝 Where do the proceeds go?

• 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.

📝 How do I register or volunteer for this event?

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