Salisbury University's Student United Way (SUSUW) held its seventh annual Zombie-Infested 5k Oct. 23, bringing the campus event back in-person for the first time since 2019.
Runners and walkers participated in the race while students disguised as zombies passed by to frighten them.
Campus groups such as the club cross country team, Clarke Honors College and Girls on Top joined the race, with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. The top two participants in each age group received medals, while everyone took home a commemorative shirt.
SUSUW Co-President Rachel Evans said event planning started over the summer with contacting the nonprofit organization. “We connected with the nonprofit first, then went through Salisbury to get things reserved, and then we reached out to sponsors.”
“It was great to see everyone back in person,” Evans said.
Club cross country runner Daniel Step acted as a zombie despite arriving late to the event, where he was accommodated for an undead makeup look before the "enjoyable" experience.
"I can run a 5k anywhere, but the makeup stuff I can't do," Step said, citing the costume as a motivating factor in his participation.
Step waited outside the St. Martin residence hall with other zombies hiding in designated zones throughout the running course on campus.
“My approach was to taunt the runners in a friendly way, like running alongside them,” he said.
Evans said the Halloween-themed fundraiser drew success despite a two-year hiatus.
“It was a building year, to get excitement going.”
By HAILEY DEARES
Sports Editor
Featured image courtesy of @su_studentunitedway