An Obstacle Course. With Zombies. The "Run For Your Lives" Race Series

With the rise in obstacle course races and the lurching greatness that is the current zombie trend, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to start an obstacle course where some of the obstacles lurched around and tried to eat you.

Run For Your Lives race series looks to be that race with its series of zed-infested 5k races. Runners not only have to deal with the dozen or so man-made obstacles scattered throughout the course, but they have to do so while ducking the reanimated dead.

The whole deal could reek of cheesiness, but the zombies look extremely legit. The website claims that they have a top-notch makeup team to transform the volunteers into rotting flag-snatchers, and the photos from past races support that claim. That and the volunteer zombies' enthusiasm (see video below) would make for an intense run.

The way it works is this: runners get a flag belt with three flags (think flag football), which the zombies try to snatch as you run, climb, slip and slide through the course. If you finish the race, but all three of your flags are taken, your time is still recorded, but you're ineligible for prizes.

Apparently, there's more than one way to get to the finish line - according to the website, "there are multiple routes to reach the finish. Choose wisely, or your 5k might turn into a 10k."

Obstacles, zombies, and the chance of getting lost in the woods? This. Sounds. Awesome. 

There are currently 11 more Run For Your Lives zom-stacle course races in 2012. Take a look at the schedule and check out some race day photos at RunForYourLives.com.

You Never Know: Gerber's Apocalypse Kit

Go ahead and say it: "That only happens in movies." That's when they get you. It's like saying "bloody Mary" in a mirror three times, you're asking for it.

Sure, a zombie apocalypse probably won't happen.  

But it might. 

 And if it does, bladesmith Gerber's got you covered with their Apocalypse line of cutting tools (including three different machetes) to help you chop your way through the horde.

"But what about guns?" 

Pah. Gunshots draw attention, heads are small targets, and blades don't run out of ammo.

I love the fact that there's a gear company out there that takes the hypothetical into consideration and comesup with a kit that has zombie hunter written all over it. Well done, Gerber.

The Apocalypse Kit is no longer available, but you can pick up each piece one at a time at Gerbergear.com.  Prices range from $21 to $69.

Visit Gerber's website to check out the Apocalypse lineup.