Zombie Epidemic 5k this month in Lakewood

Evade and escape

By Melanie Casey on June 5, 2015

It's official: the zombies are coming.

Fortunately, these zombies don't want to eat your brains. They just want to chase you through Fort Steilacoom Park. Your job is to evade and escape.

On June 27, the Capt. Meriwether Lewis Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) is sponsoring its Zombie Epidemic 5k race. For the second year, "zombies" (soldiers with 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment on Joint Base Lewis-McChord) will prey on innocent runners as they make their way through the 3.1-mile course.

Participants will wear a flag football belt with three flags - those who make it through the course with at least one flag intact will be considered "survivors" and will receive the coveted survivor medal. Survivors will be entered into a drawing for top-notch prizes like tents and trips. Those who don't will be considered casualties, and their drawing will feature prizes like detergent and soap.

Clad in zombie make up and attire, about 25 Rangers and a few of their wives will take strategic positions throughout the course, ambush runners when they least expect it and try to grab a flag.  

"They can only grab one flag at a time," said Amy Tiemeyer, AUSA president elect, who came up with the idea last year as a way to boost membership. "We are hoping for a 90 percent casualty rate."

Last year's event, which had about 100 participants, was a little pricey for a 5k, said Tiemeyer, the McChord Field Air Force Association president, so this year she raised funds to offset the cost. Sponsors include America's Credit Unit, Redwinds Casino, USAA, Northwest Metal Creations, JBLM Morale, Welfare and Recreation and AUSA. Race organizers are hoping for at least 300 participants.

The entry fee this year ($21 to $39, based on rank) actually pays for a 1-year membership to AUSA. Civilians are invited and encouraged to participate and become a member as well (the fee for civilians is $39).

For those who are already AUSA members and want to participate, the fee will pay for their membership renewal.

"If you are already a member, the entry fee will renew on your renewal date, so you don't lose any time of paid membership," Tiemeyer stressed.

So lace up your sprinting shoes, runners, and get ready to evade and escape.

"It's all about sacrificing your friends and families for the win," Tiemeyer said. "You don't have to be the fastest, you just have to be faster than the person next to you."
Register online by June 9 to guarantee you get a race t-shirt. Package pick up and race day registration begin at 8 a.m. June 27 at Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave. SW in Lakewood. The race begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.ausazombierun.com or find them on Facebook.