Zom-G 5K raises awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

It takes a lot of guts to sign up for a 5K fun run that’s like a smorgasbord for a zombie horde.

Thirty-five runners worked to avoid being an undead buffet Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, during the The Zom-G 5K Fun Run at the Meadows in Dixon. The light-hearted run recognizes Greg Deatherage’s survival of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) five years ago and brings attention to the phenomenon.

Wearing belts of flags, runners weaved their way through a course through the prairie while avoiding lurking zombies looking to snatch a snack…or at least a flag. “Survivors” were awarded with a patch heralding their zombie lunch avoidance.

Thirty-five runners started the course, which exceeded Greg’s wife and organizer Mary Mahan-Deatherage’s hopes.

No word yet if all 35 finished or if zombie numbers increased.

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Playing the part of zombies, April and Daniel Ramirez huddle from a light rain near the start of the Zom-G 5K Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. (Alex T. Paschal)