Zombie Fright Run to benefit YMCA of Greater Springfield

Sept. 18, 2012

By Chris Maza

chrism@thereminder.com

AGAWAM – Those who plan on participating in the YMCA of Greater Springfield's next major fundraiser won't just be supporting a noble cause – they'll be running for their lives.

Six Flags New England is set to host a 5K Zombie Fright Run on Oct. 13 with the proceeds going to benefit the YMCA.

This won't be a typical jog on a fall day. Runners will be pursued by ravenous undead whose sole goal will be to get their hands on three flags hanging from belts worn by racers. The runners' goal will be to survive the onslaught with at least one flag remaining. Those who cross without any flags will suffer the shame and embarrassment of knowing that they would not survive in the event of an actual zombie apocalypse.

Kris Allard, YMCA vice president of development and communication, explained that the race is one of the many ways Six Flags has shown its support over the years.

"They came to us in recent weeks and said, 'Hey, we have an idea and we'd like to lend our support to the Y and this is what we are thinking.' We're really grateful to Six Flags and we're happy to have them as a partner in the community," she said. "We have a really nice relationship with Six Flags New England and we have been in talks with them about different levels of support for what we do. They have been engaged in our efforts to build a Y Express in Agawam and just recently just did a pool supply drive for us."

The Y Express concept is one that has been used in other areas of the country, Kirk Smith, president and CEO of the YMCA told Reminder Publications, but it has never been used in this area. The YMCA is currently planning on opening such a facility at 63 Springfield St.

"This model has been around for 20 years in YMCA and really gives YMCA the opportunity to have a physical footprint in a community in a way that is not operationally overbearing to the Y or the community," he said.

Even before talks of a Y Express in Agawam came to pass, however, the YMCA has been supporting residents in Agawam as well as other communities on both sides of the Connecticut River by subsidizing its programs to allow all to participate. The proceeds from the Zombie Fright Run would go directly toward that effort.

"We have a campaign called 'Strengthening Communities,' which is a scholarship campaign. That campaign is really all about making sure every person has access to the YMCA, no matter their economic situation. One of our mantras is that we do not turn anyone away due to the inability to pay and that goes for all of our programs and memberships," Smith said.

"We have a plethora of programs we provide and subsidize sometimes at close to 100 percent for not only young people, but older adults and families. When the Y express does open, those dollars will go toward the efforts of trying to support those families or new families as well," he continued.

Among the services offered by the YMCA are sports and aquatics programs as well as educational initiatives for teens.

"When you talk about time and young people, it can be a pretty dangerous proposition if they have too much time on their hands and nothing positive to do," he said, going on to explain that the YMCA's tech center has been a very successful venture where young people learn about science, technology, engineering and math.

In addition to youth services, the YMCA offers programs for seniors ranging from book clubs to chair aerobics and family-centric initiatives, Smith added.

The Zombie Fright Run is restricted to runners age 18 and older with a cost of $65, which includes admission to the park. All who finish will receive an official Zombie Fright Run 5K medal.

Check-in is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. with a 7:30 a.m. step off for the first wave. Waves will be sent off in 15-minute heats.

The YMCA is also looking for volunteer zombies for the race, who would be able to go to the park for free after getting their fill of tasty runners. Zombies must also be 18 years of age or older and should contact Lavar Click at 739-6951 ext. 260 or lclick@springfieldy.org to sign up.

"We are happy to have volunteers for the event," Allard said.

Spectators may also enter the park at a discounted rate of $35.

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