For the first time in Claremont history, on May 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a zombie infested maze. Both children and adults have the chance to run through the Botanical Gardens while volunteers dressed as zombies chase after them.

This zombie run is different from most runs, as there is no predetermined path. Instead, runners must choose their own paths to avoid hungry zombies. If a zombie catches someone they must take his or her flag, but if a runner makes it out of the maze with their flag, he or she will receive a free beverage at the finish. However, there is a catch. If their flag is taken before they finish navigating to the maze, the runner must purchase the drink.

Even if a runner is swarmed by zombies and loses his or her flag, the runner will still be able to celebrate with other runners as well as zombies at the post-apocalyptic party. This party is open to the public and includes many attractions such as food carts, a padded jousting ring, and a DJ.

“I’ve heard of big events like the Run For Your Life 5K and The Walking Dead Escape, and I’ve always wanted to try them,” senior Isaac Texiera said. “The zombie run in Claremont is that kind of opportunity but on a slightly smaller scale. Also, it’s running and zombies, two of my favorite things.”

In order to participate in this event, runners must register online at the Claremont Zombie Run website. For $45, runners will be able to run through the maze as many times as they want, receive a free event tee-shirt, a free drink if they make it through their maze with their flag, and a pass to access the Botanical Garden’s non-zombie areas. It is beneficial to register soon as possible because prices will increase as the day of the race approaches. Funds raised from this event will go to a several organizations: the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Red Cross, and Saint Jude’s Hospital. The Botanical Gardens and J6 inc., a motorcycle servicing company, are providing the money and location in order to help these organizations. There is also the option of contributing items like water bottles and refreshment stations necessary for the race to succeed.

Although running away from zombies interests many, another option for individuals over 18 is to volunteer to be a zombie and chase after and scare runners. A different way to help out is becoming a member of the event staff. Zombies and event staff volunteers who work for four hours or more will receive a T-shirt, free tacos for lunch, and have the chance to run through the maze.

“There is really no selection criteria,” event manager Aaron Berg said. “Anyone that wants to help out and get painted up to look like a zombie just has to fill out the volunteer form on the website and they are accepted.”

Whether participating in the zombie run as a zombie, volunteer, or runner, the event provides an enjoyable opportunity for an adventure. This run is very different from other runs because it is much less competitive and much more entertaining. Another aspect of the run that makes it so fun is that runners never know if a zombie is lurking behind the next corner or if there is a zombie hiding behind a bush waiting to pull their flag. This run provides all the fun of running away from flag hungry zombies, while still helping to raise money for worthy causes.