Race Recap: Run For Your Lives Zombie 5k – Temecula, CA.

On October 21st, 2012 I ran in a race like no other. Yes, there’s Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash, etc etc. But how about you take one of those races, with it’s mud and big obstacles, then add a whole new element: ZOMBIES. What do you have? The Run For Your Lives 5k ZOMBIE RUN! So rather than racing against the clock and seeing if you’re strong enough to jump over hurdles and climb rope ladders, how about you run with 3 flags around your waist and see if you have what it takes to outlast wave after wave of ravenous zombies, mazes, electric shock obstacles, mud pits of death, and water slides!

I haven’t done a mud run, so I was stoked to do this one. The added element of avoiding zombies and not getting lost was a pretty cool addition. All of the competitors found themselves helping and using each other as distractions to get through the zombie zones. The whole goal is to cross the finishline with at least 1 of the 3 flags around your waist that you start with. Guess what? I DID.

So the California event was a two day affair. We arrived on Saturday to get acquainted with the scenery, kegs of beer, and zombies. We camped over night (i won’t say we slept much, what with the crazy party that lasted ALL NIGHT) and prepped for sundays early start. I have to give MAJOR props to all of the zombies that participated. They were out on that course for at least 3 hours at a time, sprinting after all sorts of runners. Just running the 5k in bursts of sprints left me sore for days!

Overall, I loved the race. The obstacles, while very easy, kept us muddy and dirty the entire race (nice touch with the water truck dousing us throughout). By the finish, I was DISGUSTING. But a quick dip in the crazy warm lake was all I needed to rid my body of mud (though I avoided touching any open hole on my body until a thorough scrub in my shower). Thanks again to Brian and his staff at Run For Your Lives for the race entry hook-up! It was awesome and I’ll definitely be back!

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