Durban prepares for Zombie outbreak
The living dead have been a long-time staple of horror films, but it seems their foot dragging and groaning is very much alive and kicking. This is especially true as Durban gears up for its first Zombie 5km Run/Walk at the Green Hub, Blue Lagoon.
THERE’S a sudden chill in the air. Whispers surrounding the zombie outbreak has reached fever pitch. A trio of blood-spattered and dishevelled zombies drag their feet outside of the Green Hub building, but there’s no need for concern, it’s all for charity and it’s a first for Durban. The Zombie Run is a 5km walk/run gives the ‘living dead’ a chance to chase the ‘living’ as they wind their way through a five-kilometre trail course sprinkled with obstacles and traps.
Each runner will wear a flag football-style belt and if you make it through the course with any of your flags left, you’ll finish alive, however, if the zombies take all of your flags, you’ll finish undead. The obstacle fun run for the end of times also has a charity aspect.
Northglen News caught up with three zombies, Theresa Ferreira, Anusha Govender and Miss Ballito, Shelley Buckle and a lone survivor Nick Ferreira to find out what the outbreak is all about.
“Durban has never seen anything like this before! We’ve had an amazing response and I hope more people will join in the days festivities” Theresa enthused. “There will be market stalls and a zombie fashion show and there’s even a zombie photo booth at the end of the race for those who don’t make it.
“Our hope is to continue hold the Zombie Run annually. I do have one warning though for anyone thinking of coming to watch, we zombies have a way taking hold of you so don’t be surprised if you find yourself tottering and lurching your way through the course,” Theresa said.
Her brother, Nick said he was pleased with the support so far which has seen more than 190 entries confirmed so far. “The event serves a dual purpose, besides fun to be had, there is also the charity aspect of the run. We’ve decided to raise funds for three local charities (Monkey Helpline, Durban Beach Clean-Up and the Giba Gorge Environmental Precicnt),” he said.
Race deets
The 5km run/walk starts at the Green Hub, Blue Lagoon on 30 November. To enter visit www.roag.co.za
How it works
Before the race, you will be given a flag belt these flags represent your health. The zombies want to take your flags and throughout the run, there will be a series of man-made and natural obstacles to complete. The zombies job is to chase you and eat you (not really) but mainly go after your health, in the form of your flag belt. Avoid the zombies to keep your health flags.
