Run for your life! It’s the Undead Dash in Burnet

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — If you think you can outrun a zombie, then sign up for the Undead Dash on Oct. 26, just in time for the spookiest day of the year.

“We thought it would be something fun, and different,” said Stephanie Idell, one of the organizers of the event.

Different definitely fits the bill for this five-kilometer fun run. Though the thought of an undead horde descending out of the hills doesn’t seem fun, Idell promised it would be.

The Burnet High School Highlandettes and Burnet Ensemble and Theater Co. are sponsoring the Undead Dash to help with their spring trip to New York City. And what better way to raise money than to also raise a few zombies.

Of course, the Highlandettes and BETC members are portraying the zombies. And you’ll get a second chance at life if one happens to grab you along the course at Haley Nelson Park, 301 Garden Trails.

“Each (5K) runner will get two glow-in-the-dark wristbands,” Idell said. “These are your lives. The undead are going to try to steal your lives.”

The run starts at 7 p.m. with a Kids K/Obstacle Course taking off at 6:30 p.m. The kids’ event is open to youth 12 and younger.

Suzanne Wideman, another Undead organizer, said the concept for the zombie-filled run came about as the groups brainstormed fundraising ideas.

“We were tossing ideas around, including doing a haunted house and a 5K,” she said. “We all started brainstorming, decided to put the two together, and this was what we came up with.”

Registration for the Undead Dash is $20 for early-bird registration before 5 p.m. Oct. 18. The cost is $30 after early-bird registration. The Kids K/Obstacle Race fee is $15 during early-bird registration and $20 after.

Entry forms may be dropped off with a check payable to “EDC Boosters” at the high school, 1000 The Green Mile, or the Burnet Chamber of Commerce, 229 S. Pierce St.

The 5K runners have the option of participating in the zombie game or not. And you can even purchase two additional lives and go through the zombie area a second time.

Along with running from zombies, folks can check out a bake sale (because after being chased by the undead, a cookie sure hits the spot).
After the Undead Dash, stick around for the Monster Ball Party.

Pick up a registration form at the high school or chamber office. You also can go to www.burnetchamber.org to download a registration form.

Email highlandettefanclub@gmail.com for more information.

daniel@thepicayune.com