In light of a cancellation, uncertainty and change of ownership, organizers of Zombie Survivor are powering ahead with just over a week left to go until the July 25 event.
“We always expected it wouldn’t be as big as last year. But we’re not doing this for the profit. We’re doing this because it’s an event that we enjoy,” Paul Howarth said, the new owner of the undead-themed run.
Howarth said organizers are hoping to finish with around 800 registered runners. 600 are currently registered, with 200 left to pay.
The event will take place at the Cochrane Agricultural Society.
When asked about last minutes challenges, Howarth was blunt: “Everything is a last minute challenge,” he said with a chuckle.
“I think we’ve come a long way.”
On Wednesday of the event week, the event’s 20-person set-up team will be busy working on the course.
Children will be allowed in the beer gardens this year for a kids’ karaoke. He said they’re planning on adding face painting to “zombify” the children.
“If they weren’t coming because there was nothing for the kids to do last year, we’ve got entertainment now.”
Howarth said most of their efforts are being focused on the scare houses and the beer gardens. Despite the uncertainty, Howarth said he was positive that there’s a bright future for the event.
“We don’t know if we’ll get there but it’s good to have a dream because if you don’t dream, there are no targets.
“As long as the support is there from the local community to engage, there’ll be a future for Zombie Survivor.”
To register for Zombie Survivor as either a runner or a zombie, visit their website zombiesurvivor.ca. Deadline for registration is July 24. While the 11 a.m. wave is filled, 10 a.m. spots are still available. Noon is available for groups, and a 2 p.m. time slot for elite runners.
