Participants in Williston’s second annual Earth Day 5K may run even faster this year to escape the zombies lurking in the Nonotuck Park woods.

On Sunday, April 30th, the Williston Activities Committee and the junior class representatives will host the Earth Day 5K, but with a twist. There will be twenty-five volunteer zombies trying to catch runners and take their “lives.” Non-runners are encouraged to attend to enjoy lawn games, music, and Laughing Tomato Pizza Truck at Galbraith Fields.

“We want a big turnout!” said organizer and junior class president Ellie Scott.

Saul Blain ’17 loved it last year. “I felt really good when I crossed the finish line,” he said. “There was good music, good food, and even better people.”

Junior Harrison Winrow, planning to be a zombie, is excited to chase the runners. “I look forward to the creative leeway I shall hold in my zombie performance,” he said. “I have been studying AMC’s The Walking Dead and am ready to scare some runners as the undead Harrison.”

Participants can opt out of the zombie chasing, but still run the 5K. Those who want to be chased will receive three flag football ties, which represent their lives. Every half mile, zombies will come out and try to take the ties. The runners must cross the finish line with at least one tie in order for their time to count. The top male and female student as well as top male and female faculty will receive Tandem gift cards.

Ellie came up with the idea last year. The then sophomore class representatives had been thinking about doing a 5K for a while, and decided to focus on Earth Day. The $133 raised lastyear went to the Williston community garden.

“The day as a whole was really good. A lot of people participated, whether they were running or just hanging out,” said Ellie. “And the weather was beautiful!”

Many runners and spectators attended the 5K last year. “I decided not to participate in the run, but I still enjoyed myself,” said Fiona Bundy ‘18. “I played a lot of Spikeball and Kan Jam.”

Erin Davey, Williston’s activities director, is looking forward to the event. “I love seeing kids make the most out of their experience,” she said. “The most successful events have been the simplest ones with the best energy.”