Undead & Undeterred: Pinecrest Zombie Run Thrives Despite Storm

Published on October 16, 2026

The undead were out in force on Saturday night, and so was the rain. But if the weather was hoping to scare off the crowd, it picked the wrong horde.

The Pinecrest Zombie Run went ahead in soaking, miserable conditions, and runners, walkers, and screamers showed up anyway. They splashed through the course, dodged the zombies, and made it a night the Village won't forget.

Thunder, rain, and a horde of 439 runners. Nearly 85% of pre-registered runners (375 of 442) braved the weather, and every one of the 64 last-minute sign-ups followed through, turning a stormy day into a packed zombie escape.

"We are so grateful," said Parks and Recreation Director Robert Mattes. "Everyone still showed up, and that's what made this night special."

The event wouldn't have happened without the people behind it:

• Baptist Health, for helping bring the event to life and supporting a healthier community.

• Our sponsors, whose generosity made the night possible.

• Our volunteers, who kept everything running smoothly through the rain.

• Our Zombies (the scariest and best!), who stayed terrifyingly good no matter how wet the makeup got.

• The Village Council, for believing in this event and backing it.

The Participants Made the Night

Most of all, thank you to everyone who laced up and braved the storm. The costumes, the laughter, the screams, and the finish-line cheers turned a rainy night into something unforgettable.

See You Next Year! 

The zombies are heading back to rest, but they won't stay down for long.

The Pinecrest Zombie Run will return in 2027. 

For now, keeping practicing: Register for our upcoming 5-K on January 9, 2027. 

See you there!