Summer Games hosting Zombie Fun Run

Zombies and other spooky characters will take to the trails of Cimarron Park this weekend for a fun run in support of the 2023 Alberta Summer Games. 

Rock the Ridge Zombie Fun Run, which aims to raise awareness for next summer’s sporting spectacle through some Halloween hijinks, is set for noon on Sunday, Oct. 23. 

“It’s a fun way to raise the profile of the Games,” said Jackie Heuver, a volunteer on the Games’ promotions committee. 

The fun run, which will be chip timed but is more participatory than competitive, will see individuals or teams make their way around a one-kilometre loop six times. 

“You can do it solo, so you’d do the loop six times, you can do it in a team of three, so each would do two laps or you could have teams of six, so if you wanted to bring out your family or whatever, you’re each doing one kilometre,” said Heuver. 

Participants are encouraged to dress up and there will be prizes for best individual and team costumes. There will also be prizes for top finishers. 

The deadline for registration, which can be completed on the Summer Games website (2023asg.com), is Friday, Oct. 21. There is no registration on the day of the run. 

Heuver said Games organizers have been hosting their own events or attending others in an effort to raise awareness of the 2023 Alberta Summer Games, which will be held in Okotoks and Black Diamond next July.

The campaign aims to let people know that as many as 1,800 volunteers will be required to support the more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials that will descend on the region for four days next summer.