The Running Dead: Zombie 5K set for Friday, with sign ups open today

Staff Report

COURTESY OF GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF KYOWVA AREA, INC.
A participant from last year’s The Running Dead 5K sports a zombie outfit and zombie makeup in preparation for the race. The annual event encourages participants to dress up or simply come as “humans.”

Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area Inc.’s Running Dead 5K is returning to Barboursville Park this Friday to raise money to purchase new coats for children in the community who otherwise might not be able to.

Kayla Dodd, director of marketing and social media for Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, said the race has been successful in the past and she hopes for the same with this year’s race.

“Last year, I was able to raise over $3,000 in profit,” Dodd said. “We always have a little over 100 runners. I can already tell that this year’s event will be event larger.”

According to the website, the race “is used as a way for the community to get to know Goodwill’s mission and learn more about all of their services.”

Dodd said the race is meant to bring people out in a unique way while still benefitting the community.

“The event raises awareness about Goodwill and all of our missions, and with the proceeds benefiting our Coats to Kids program, the proceeds will be used to buy brand new coats for kids so that we can deliver them,” Dodd said.

Last year, Goodwill was able to purchase and deliver 300 brand new coats, gloves and hats to children in the area with the proceeds.

Online registration is open through 6 a.m. Friday, along with registration at the event.