The resurgence of zombie popularity continues. Zombie themed events spring up daily all over the globe providing fans an opportunity to role play in an imaginary post apocalyptic wasteland. One such event is “Zombie Survivor” taking place this summer in Calgary, Canada. I sat down recently with Adil Hooda, one of the organizers, to get the lowdown on the event.

Buy Zombie: Tell me a bit about yourself, how did you come to organize Zombie Survivor?

My Partner Kyle and I are self-described serial entrepreneurs; we’re rebel engineers from Calgary who work on our own fun projects. In the past we’ve both run in 5km fun runs and had been thinking about planning our own obstacle course race. We started looking at some themes for our race and finally landed on a zombie survival theme.

Buy Zombie: What was it about zombies that appealed to you?

Zombies add a whole other dimension to the race. Not only will runners be trying to put up their personal best times, they will have the added task of trying to finish the race with their lives still intact. It also allows people who aren’t necessarily runners but are fans of the Zombie genre to come out to our event and become part of the course itself as zombies.

Buy Zombie: What can people expect when they compete in this run?

We want our participants to know that they’re in for a different kind of run, it will not be a solo run against the clock, you need to survive and that’s going to be challenging. Each runner will receive 3 flags – these are your lives for the race. The zombies will be out on the course looking to take your lives away. Runners will have to be quick on their feet around the zombies and should be expecting to get wet, muddy and bloody at the event!

Buy Zombie: Do you need a team?

No you don’t need to register as a team for zombie survivor, but remember teamwork is going to play a very important part. Be sure to surround yourself with slower runners, as they will serve as useful meat shields to you!

Buy Zombie: Shouldn’t you bring loyal friends to the apocalypse?

Yes, it is important to have friends that will stick with you through the apocalypse. However, if it you get cornered by a pack of bloodthirsty zombies you may have to sacrifice your loyal friends for the “greater good”.

Buy Zombie: Where is the course this year?

We are hosting this event at the Cochrane AG society, they are an equestrian track and we will be making use of all the obstacles to attempt to keep your heart beating. The race goes down on July 20th and we will have a grandstand for spectator viewing, as well as a beer gardens and food trucks.

Buy Zombie: Should I be a zombie or a runner?

It depends if you are already giving up on humanity, the athletes among us might be tempted to be runners, but being a zombie will give you a workout as well. Those who feel they aren’t in shape to run away from zombies should remember the importance of teamwork. If you decide to join the zombie hordes you will be putting yourself through our “Zombie Transformation Zone”. Be sure to bring some clothing that you aren’t overly fond of, as we will be ripping your clothes and covering you in blood!

Buy Zombie: So if you are a runner the idea is to simply avoid zombies, not actually kill them?

Yes, there is no actual contact between runner and zombies. Remember, you will be given 3 flags at the start of the race – these are your lives. If you lose all of your lives you still get to complete the course, however you will have to live with shame of knowing that you weren’t able to survive the zombie apocalypse. Be sure to be on the lookout for extra lives on the course!

Buy Zombie: How is it going with registration so far?

Good! We have about 2000 people already signed up and are about 70% sold out. If you are looking to register for this event be sure to do so quickly as space is running out!

Buy Zombie: Do you find more people wanting to be zombies or humans?

It really depends on your personality type. We have a lot of zombie enthusiasts coming out wanting to be zombies and be part of the course. However, human registrants are outpacing zombies at a pace of 5:1 currently, so maybe there is still some hope left for humanity.

Buy Zombie: How much does the race cost?

Runner Registration is $65 and Zombie Registration is $35.

More information including registration for “Zombie Survivor” may be found at their website: http://www.zombiesurvivor.ca/.
Or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zombiesurvivorcanada.