Running scared: Holly State Rec Area to host “Zombie Dash” this weekend

Be a "survivor" or a "zombie" ...

HOLLY, Michigan – Fitness and fright collide this weekend as the Holly State Recreation Area hosts a “Zombie Dash” all to benefit the “Be The Match” registry for bone marrow and stem cell donation.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, participating “survivors” (runners and walkers) will hit the 5.75 kilometer course that winds its way through the Holly State Recreation Area’s dark and wooded trails. Holly State Recreation Area is located at 8100 Grange Hall Road, Holly.

A “walker wave” of survivors begins at 6:15 p.m., while “runner waves” go out every five minutes from 6:30 until 7:15 p.m. Those wishing to participate have until 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 to register.

Survivors must wear two “life strips” (flag football flags) around the waist and avoid zombies along the way, tasked with ripping the strips off racers and rendering time penalties.  Racing from dusk until dark, those beginning first may try to finish while it's still light enough to see. Those having later start times will race into darkness. All runners are required to have a headlamp or flashlight for safety, and course monitors will be positioned throughout the trails.

If you’re not into running, you can always be a zombie – provided you register, show up in some sort of costume with make-up, and agree to stay on the course from 6:15 until 8 p.m. Race Director Mark VanTongeren said last year’s Zombie Dash in Grand Rapids attracted 600 survivors and 200 zombies. Friends, family and the general public are all welcome to come out and cheer for survivors and zombies alike.

The charity partner for this race is the Michigan Blood Stem Cell Program, which educates the public about the importance of the “Be The Match” registry and marrow/stem cell donation. The stem cell program recruits potential marrow/stem cell donors for the National Marrow Donor Program’s, “Be The Match” registry.

Michigan Blood is also a regional collection site for stem cell donations. Seventy percent of patients suffering from illnesses such as leukemia, lymphoma and 70 other blood-related diseases, turn to the “Be The Match” registry for a matching marrow/stem cell donor. Every year, around 10,000 patients look to the “Be The Match” registry for a donor.

For more information about the race and to register, visit the Zombie Dash website, or visit www.facebook.com/TheZombieDash to join the conversation.