The public is welcome to participate in a scary but fun 5K on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Day of the Undead Zombie Run begins at 5 p.m. at Southern Arkansas University’s former Welcome Center, taking participants on a course plagued with zombies.
Rhaelene Lowther, assistant professor of art (game and animation), said that about 15 SAU game and animation design students will be dressed as zombies and placed throughout the course to create obstacles for runners.
“Each runner will wear two flags, and their goal is to run the race without having their flags pulled out by zombies,” Lowther said. “If both your flags are pulled out before you make it to the finish line, you get a medal that says ‘zombies.’ If you make it to the finish line with at least one of your flags, you get a ‘survivor’ medal.”
The first to finish with the most flags wins, she said.
The race is open to the public and is fun for all ages. The course will be marked and security will be provided by University Police.
Entry fee for students prior to Saturday is $15 and $20 on the day of the event; for community members, the entry fee will be $20 prior to Saturday and $25 on that day. To register or find out more information, visit http://www.zombierunmagnolia.com/.
Each registered participant will receive a T-shirt and a goody bag with promotional material provided by the sponsors, Hampton Inn of Magnolia and Health Works Fitness in El Dorado. Lowther said the SAU Game Development and Design Department is raising funds to travel to various design conferences later this year.
