WADENA — Runners joining the sixth annual Wadena Chamber of Commerce Zombie Run had the odds stacked against them on Saturday, Oct. 8. It was 1-1 ratio of zombies to runners out on the breathtaking course at Blacks Grove Park in Wadena. The six hungry zombies had just six runners in the event to chase after. Perhaps it was the sun cascading off the brilliantly colored leaves or the babbling brook. Or maybe it was just an elite group of runners, but few flags were nabbed from the swift moving runners and all finished the race with flags still intact.

Coming out on top of the race was young gun Jack Bucholz. Cross country coach Terry Olson was ecstatic to see the young WDC runner showing off his skills. Olson and Chamber volunteer Kent Schmidt put in hours preparing the course with signage, arrows and caution tape directing the runners straight into the path of the lingering zombies. Other Chamber members and community volunteers do the hard work of being zombies, doing makeup for zombies, planning the event and preparing food. Also finishing his fifth Zombie Run was Dustin Barten, who said he comes back year after year because it's just a fun race to be a part of. All runners receive a T-shirt and a nifty medal for completing the race. They're even met with a roaring fire, and a hot dog meal upon finishing the race. Even the less than lucky zombies were able to join in on the feed. Weather was sublime for the event, with fall colors reaching their peak for most tree species. The event has welcomed out crowds of up to 50 in previous years. The Chamber is hopeful to bring back event goers next year.