This morning in Lakewood's Fort Steilacoom Park, 25 orange-shirted zombies showed up to take part in the first Zombie Apocalypse 5K. 

They looked the part. Simulated blood and gore covered their faces and bodies.

"This should be great fun," Marisol Hernandez said as she waited for the run to begin.

Sponsored by the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association for the United States Army (AUSA) in support of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the zombie's purpose was to help boost the organization's membership.

Since 1950, the AUSA has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.

"Our nation has been at war for 12 years, and this chapter has been supporting soldiers without concern for membership," Amy Tiemeyer, the director of corporate membership, wrote in an email. "With sequestration and the military's downsizing, AUSA needs a stronger voice in Congress."

Zombies might do the trick. 

>>> A runner in the Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run held in Lakewood's Fort Steilacoom Park escapes from a zombie. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

>>> Ethan Vodenk came dressed for the part during the Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run held to raise awareness about AUSA membership benefits. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

As most know, zombies have no self-awareness or any real intelligence as far as what we consider to be intelligence. They don't think; they don't feel; and they have no personality. The zombies only instinct is to hunt and devour.

"Stacy Miller and I came up with the idea," Tiemeyer continued.

"My kids are so into zombies, and we figured it would be a great way to have some fun as we promote AUSA membership and the benefits it offers."

The goal of the 5K - or 3.1 miles - race was simple.

Each of the 90 runners wore a yellow belt with three yellow Velcro attached flags.  Their goal was to run the course and avoid being "killed" by the zombies.

To be "killed," a runner had to lose all three flags.

"Just remember to have fun," Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson said moments before firing the starter's gun.

>>> Zombies, distinguished by their orange shirts, try to "kill" runners during a Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the United States Army membership drive. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson

The zombies - who all happened to be soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment - were hiding along the course and waiting to attack the runners.

They specialized in grabbing flags - and having fun.

"We're here to be do this, to have a good time," said Cpl. Forest Hutter, as he waited beside one of the park's historic barns.

"The weather is great and this is fun."

Hutter and his two fellow zombies - Pvt. Chris Peppe and Spc. Manny Perez - chased every runner that came by. 

They laughed and joked with most of the runners.

Most of the runners finished "alive;" they had at least one yellow flag still attached to their belt. Those who finished alive were entered into a drawing for prizes.

"It's all for a good cause," Hutter said. "It's great to be here.

For more information about the AUSA, visit www.ausa.org.

>>> Col. Charles Hodges, commander, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, fills out a raffle ticket after competing in the Zombie Apocalypse 5K Run. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson