Zombies run through Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Zombies and runners collided in an all out racing frenzy Oct. 19 as part of a zombie 5k.

The event was sponsored by the Junior Enlisted Team Sheppard (JETS) organization, while participant and undead alike added a new and refreshing twist to a run that had many excited as Halloween comes right around the corner.

The zombie run had joggers with two detachable pieces of ribbon strapped around their waist. Each ribbon represented a "life", or how many opportunities a runner had to get caught. Each Airmen who dressed up as a zombie made it their mission to catch each runner.

"It's kind of festive and has a neat theme," said Senior Airman Casey Mowatt, 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental technician. "I liked how creative everybody was."

While the event had a fun theme, it was also meant to emphasize fitness and morale.

"There was a fantastic turnout and a lot of motivation," said Airman 1st Class Patrick Imbriano, 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental technician. "It was great and bought Airmen of all ranks together."

As runners signed up and gathered outside in the frigid evening weather, the sound of ghouls and other spooky attractions played out on speakers in order to set the atmosphere for the coming festivities.

"It's a chance to see everybody enjoying themselves," Mowatt said. "It's fun to do and also helps people with physical training."

As the race kicked off, Airmen outfitted as zombies lie in wait along pre-determined points in the route, ready to hop out at a moment's notice and grab flags from unsuspecting runners.

"It gets crazy for a second, then you gather your senses and keep running," said Senior Airman Tray Woodfork , 82nd Training Wing knowledge operations manager.

With teamwork being valued as an asset that made the event come together, Woodfork viewed the overall race as a success.

"Cooperation is key," he said. "There is a sense of accomplishment for what was done for the base."

As surviving runners made it across the finish line, the atmosphere was full of enthusiastic Airmen and a sense of high spirits for zombie and participant alike.