Annual Zombie Run still going on with virtual twists

McCOOK, Neb. — The 2020 MHS Cross Country Run, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, will take place, but it is going to be a little different than originally planned: not quite in person; not quite virtual.

Due to increasing community concerns about Covid, Republican River Fitness Series organizers have adopted a new system for the cross country 5K and half-marathon, which will allow people to race on their own schedule while recording automatic times.

Informal Race Day

If participants are comfortable, organizers will be at the lake on Saturday, Oct. 24 for an “informal” start 4 p.m. Everyone in attendance will be asked to wear masks when not running or maintain a 6-foot distance. Whether racing on Oct. 24 or the week before, everyone will use the self-timing QR system on the Webscorer App, but organizers will be on hand to answer questions Oct. 24.

Race t-shirts and treats will be available on Oct. 24 at the Willow Campground, Spot 48, from 6-8 p.m. This will also be the location for the MHS “Zombies” who won’t be chasing this year, but will instead just be “hanging out.”

The new out-and-back course begins at the north side of the dam, following the path next to the “dam road” before joining grassy trails on the south side of the lake and eventually returning to the start/finish line. The course will be marked with yellow flags and signs along the route, as well as scannable “QR codes” for automatic times.

Runners and walkers will still cover 3.1 miles for the 5K or the 13.1 miles for the half-marathon on a cross-country style course at the lake north of McCook. But they don’t have to do it only on Oct. 24. Instead, participants will have from noon on Saturday, Oct. 17 until 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 to submit a time for the MHS XC Run.

Runners and walkers are asked to follow the course at the lake, but can choose when and who they run or walk with for the fourth annual Zombie Run, which is sponsored by MNB Bank.

“QR codes” will be mounted on poles at the start line, finish line and the turn-around. Participants will scan the start code with their phone to begin their time at that point using the Webscorer App.

Racers will need to scan the 5k (or half-marathon) turn-around code at the half way point, and then scan the finish code to end their race, which will automatically be uploaded to the race website. If there are technological glitches, times can be manually sent to RRFS organizers.

This may seem complicated, but RRFS organizers are trying to put on a safe and responsible race, while providing a competitive and fun event.If anyone has questions about the course, registering, using QR codes or has already registered, but would like a refund, please contact Chris Schaben, 308.340.7145 or Ronda Graff, 308.340.3412. For more information about the race or the series or to register, please visit the RRFS website, republicanriverfitnessseries.com.