Zombie-themed mud run on its way

The Zombie Stomp race, an obstacle course/mud run and fun run, is scheduled for May 12 at the Silver Shoe Ranch (1400 Prosser Drive) in Dalton.

Entry fees are: $40 for individuals and $150 for teams in the 5K; $40 per person in the 10K; and $25 for kids in the one-mile run. Local businesses, colleges, high schools, and churches are encouraged to create teams and participate in the fun, friendly (and muddy!) competition.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association. An estimated 5.4 million Americans, including more than 120,000 Georgians, have Alzheimer’s or similar dementias. It’s the sixth-leading killer in the United States today and is steadily increasing as the population ages. By 2050, 13 to 16 million Americans are projected to have Alzheimer’s, costing $1 trillion in medical and nursing home expenditures.

Designed to have something for the most avid athlete to families with kids of all ages, the Zombie Stomp includes a 5K and 10K course as well as 12 age divisions (from 14 to 70+) for men and women.

Race start times are staggered from 8 to 11 a.m., depending on division. The one-mile run for ages 5 to 13 will be held at noon. All participants will receive a medal and T-shirt, and trophies will be awarded to the top three women, men, teenagers and youth participants.

The event will also feature games, a zombie paintball range and live music. Following the race, participants, family and friends are invited to a dinner at the Dalton Depot restaurant. The event will feature a zombie-themed meal (“ghoulash”) more live music and footage from the race for $10 per person. Local retailers in downtown Dalton will also feature a range of special promotions and giveaways to commemorate the event, making it an ideal way to support local businesses.

“Thousands of people nationwide are discovering the fun, great exercise and friendships that can be built around exciting mud runs and obstacle courses,” said Kim Buckner, president of Dalton’s h2b creative advertising agency and a sponsor of the event. “Anyone can join in the fun as a participant or to cheer on the runners.”

Added Dalton Mayor David Pennington, “Dalton-Whitfield is positioning itself as a center for athletic events such as runs, marathons and bike races. We have a terrific community with so much to offer people looking for natural beauty, adventure and fun. We think the Zombie Stomp is a great way to remind residents what a great place Dalton is and to showcase our community to others.”

Situated along one of the most picturesque and historic trails in Northwest Georgia, the event takes place along the same path as the Great Locomotive Chase and along the banks of the Conasauga River. The course will go through creeks and up river banks, over rolling hills and through corn fields, with the 10K featuring terrain and obstacles to challenge even experienced mud runners.

“With its scenic setting and history, this is an ideal location for a mud race and obstacle course,” said Justin Hair, a specialist with the 48th Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia Army National Guard, owner of Rock Solid Fitness at Super Body Fitness Center in Dalton and an avid mud runner. “Races like this are great for young people looking for something unique, challenging and fun, as well as families who want to enjoy fitness together.”

The Zombie Stomp Race is the brainchild of Buckner and Hair, who created StrongHouse Productions, an organization entirely staffed by volunteers, to produce the event and others designed to bring attention to Northwest Georgia as a location for outdoor events, concerts and businesses in an effort to ensure a diverse, active and successful community. The organization is seeking sponsors for the race.

To obtain more information on sponsorship or to register for the race, visit zombiestomprace.com, become a Facebook friend (keyword “Zombie Stomp Race”), follow the event on Twitter @zombiestomprace, call (706) 250-1610 or write to zombiestomprace@gmail.com.

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