Zombies and sand pits and blue jeans, oh my!
Say what?
How do these things fit together, you ask? It’s the Freaky Fun Zombie Run! The 5k race took place on Saturday afternoon at Imagination Glen on one Outback Trails. Runners ran through mud and water, crawled through a sand pit, dabbled in a “jean pool”, and got chased by zombies...Just another day at Imagination Glen.
Randy Wilkening, President of the Portage Park Foundation, was there keeping the zombies and the victims...I mean runners organized. He explained to me that the funds generated from the race went back into the Foundation for the upkeep of the Portage Park.
“We are a group of volunteers that raise money and help out the park,” Wilkening said. “This is a great way to raise money for the foundation.”
Shannon Burhans, a member of the Portage Parks and Recreation Foundation Board, was the braaaaaains behind the operation. She was dressed to impress in her finest zombie garb.
“The brunt of the work took about two months, but we started planning it a few years ago,” Burhans said. “We had help from the guys who created the and maintain the Outback Trail, all of the board members, and some of our friends and family. It’s an extreme race with obstacles, mud, water, the elements, and zombies to contend with!”
Runners were encouraged to dress up for the race, and they definitely did. A few vikings could be seen running the trails, a zombie bridal party, Groucho Marx, some superheros, and more! It was a sight to behold, folks!
After the race, runners were treated to edibles provided by Clancy’s that they all enjoyed within the gorgeous grounds of the Imagination Glen. Prizes were awarded to the top three runners in each age category as well as the largest group, and best costume.
The Freaky Fun Zombie Run was awesome! It gives new meaning to RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!
To find out more about Imagination Glen and the Portage Parks and Recreation Foundation click here!