Zombies give runners extra rush

Annual 5K raises funds for local Literacy Council

A zombie chases runners in the Zombie 5K Run on Saturday in downtown Texarkana. The annual event aids the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties.
A zombie chases runners in the Zombie 5K Run on Saturday in downtown Texarkana. The annual event aids the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties.

Some "living dead" gave 5K runners a livelier pace Saturday as they scampered through downtown Texarkana for a good cause-and to avoid a zombie bite.

Dozens of joggers took advantage of the mild, early morning autumn air to participate in the fifth annual Zombie 5K Run and fundraiser for the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties Inc.

"Five years ago, we were needing another fundraiser, as well as chance to get our name, our mission and our message out there in the public, and this is what happened," said Richard Seymour, the council's executive director. "During our first year, it rained, but it added a challenging element."

Seymour drew the idea for the event from a television show featuring people on the run from mobsters-only to find themselves bewildered by the sight of zombies emerging from bushes and tree lines to participate in a benefit relay.

Although the number of participants fluctuates, Seymour said it averages about 100 annually-with the monetary goal being about $9,000 to $10,000.

The event has attracted runners of all ages-from teenagers to those older than 60.

First-place male and female winners each receive medals, along with a pair of new jogging shoes provided by the local Racquet and Jog sporting goods store. Winners in second and third places also receive medals.

This year's place winners in the male category included local residents Cade Haak in first place at 17 minutes and 50 seconds, followed by Lucas Edwards in second at 17 minutes and 55 seconds and Carson Sanders in third with 18 minutes flat.

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STAFF PHOTO BEN GOFF -- 02/22/14 -- Arkansas third baseman Michael Bernal throws to first after fielding a ground ball during the game against Eastern Illinois at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday February 22, 2014.

Phoebe Robertson took first place in the female category at 21 minutes and 40 seconds, followed by Megan Brown with 34 minutes and 17 seconds and Macy Bates with 34 minutes and 57 seconds.

Several volunteers came dressed as zombies to give runners extra incentive to finish quickly-by popping out from behind cars parked along North State Line Avenue and attempting to ensnare the runners by removing adhesive flag football tag dangling from the joggers' hips to signal their capture and consumption.

Volunteer zombies, Kita Cantu and her husband, Joe, said they both have a passion for the living dead.

"Five years ago, I actually got a part as an extra playing a zombie in the movie 'Humans Vs. Zombies,' and I'm also a fan of 'The Walking Dead,'" Joe Cantu said.

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