Are You Ready to Go Viral?

I'm not sure why people are obsessed these days with vampires, werewolves, and, yes, zombies, but people are.  Maybe it's because we feel like we've discovered almost everything there is to discover and there doesn't seem to be much magic left in the world.  So we cling to romanticized ideas of magic and peril.  (apparently, the space program doesn't apply to this idea, however.  Shame on America.)  Whatever the reason, it has nothing to do with this post, other than BRRRRAAAAIIIINNNNNSSSSSSS!!!

My friend clued me in to one of the most awesome ideas I've ever seen: A 5k Zombie Obstacle Course.  Awww yeah!!!!  Held in Baltimore, MD this year in late October, the course features a plethora of zombies, all trying to turn you into one of them as you race towards the safety of the containment camp at the end of the course.  There are 12 obstacles distributed throughout the race, as well as hungry zombies that want nothing more than to devour you and convert you to one of their own.  I know, I know... can this get more awesome?  YES!  IT CAN!

You are provided "health flags" much like you would see in flag football.  Throughout the course are hidden health bonus flags that you can find in case a zombie grabs one of yours.  If you make it to the containment fence at the end, scale it, and still have one health flag, you are considered a survivor.  If not?  You're part of the zombie horde.  (oh so sad!)  Regardless of the outcome, you are invited to attend the survivor after party where there is food, beer, live entertainment, and music.  Everything you need to celebrate either your survival or console yourself for your recent conversion to the walking dead.

The only slightly not awesome thing about this is that you're not allowed to shove the zombies or really engage them physically in any way.  You just have to avoid them.  In turn, they are not allowed to tackle you or anything.  Still, I'm sure there's nothing quite like one of those creepy fast zombies sprinting after you to make you want to run just a little bit faster than the person next to you.  Gets that heart rate pumping! 

Can't make the Baltimore location?  That's okay.  Apparently, the virus is spreading in 2012, so there will be more zombie 5k locations.  Seriously, this is probably the best idea I've seen in a long time.  Maybe it's just my recent fascination with events like this, but I applaud those who can turn a boring 5k into something that you actually want to do.  Besides, this comes with a cool zombie or survivor token at the end, depending on how you ended up. 

Eeep!  I want one.

I don't know if I can make the Baltimore location, but I am keeping my eyes peeled for the other locations in 2012.  Who wants to train with me?  Join the training for the inevitable zombie apocalypse that you know is in our near future!  Warning statement:  I will totally trip you if it means the zombie will eat you and not me.  :P  Cuz that's how I roll.