Runners dodge 'living dead' during 1st Zombie Chase 5K

  • Published
  • By Kirsten S. Rice
  • 88th Force Support Squadron Marketing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE,Ohio --  Wright-Patterson Fitness Programs hosted its first Zombie Chase 5K on Oct. 30. The event attracted 102 participants from across Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with runners taking off from Bass Lake at 4 p.m. then dodging zombies located throughout various parts of the Bass Lake area.

Jesse Peterson was the first-place winner with a time of 22 minutes and 43 seconds. In second place,  in 23:17, was Aaron Baldauff. Third-place winner was Jonah Reeger in  24:07. Both Peterson and Baldauff won  ran while pushing baby strollers.

The overall winners for the children's division were Lauren Murry and Julianne William, in 28:30.

"This was the first event I was assigned to organize since starting at Wright Field Fitness Center in June," said recreation aide Amy Szwerluga . "I am very pleased with the overall concept, the number of participants, the awesome zombies and the event itself."

"I heard a lot of positive feedback from the runners, and I learned some things that we can implement for an even better event next year. I look forward to even more zombies and runners in 2016," Szwerluga added.

There is still time to sign up for the upcoming Turkey Trot, which will be Nov. 21.

The race will begin in the Dodge Fitness Center parking lot at 8 a.m.

The first 100 to register will receive a free T-shirt. This year's prizes will include turkey baskets with all of the traditional Thanksgiving trimmings.

The Turkey Trot is a free event and is open to all base personnel. To sign up for the race, visit either Dodge Fitness Center in Area A or Wright Field Fitness Center in Area B.