Test your speed against the living dead

As evening breaks Oct. 15, a pack of zombies will be released at Mustang Memorial Park at the Eldon Middle School.

They will chase children and adults, trying to steal their health and prevent them from reaching safety. However, survivors will retain their lives, and the leaders of the human pack will claim victory and awards at the third annual Mustang Wellness Zombie 5K and 1-mile fun run in Eldon.

With the event returning to the early evening hours for increased participation, organizers of the Zombie run encourage students, parents, school faculty and anyone else interested to participate in the spooky, free and family-friendly activity.

"With us doing it in the evening again, I hope it will boost participation. There are a lot of kids excited about participating this year," said Shea Caudel, Eldon School student wellness coordinator.

Race day registration begins at 4 p.m. at the park, where the race begins at 5 p.m. Each race participant will either try to run the 3.1 miles from the Mustang Memorial Park through the neighborhood and back without losing their flag(s) or participate in the 1-mile fun run.

"We will have some high school athletes and staff dress up as zombies the zombies will try to pull flags from participants. The flags are their 'health,' so they want to survive with all their health," Caudel said, noting awards will be given to the top finishers.

With Halloween music and decorations, organizers are also contemplating a costume contest with awards. Regardless, they encourage participates to come dressed in costume if they desire. However, runners are not allowed to dress as zombies to ensure runners can identify who can and cannot steal the race flags, Caudel said.

T-shirts are available for those who have pre-registered and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information, call Caudel at 573-392-6364 ext. 1332.