‘Zombie Walk’ helps promote good fitness, good times

Halloween-themed event was sponsored by FMWR

Somer Breeze-Hanson / Northwest Guardian

While people could expect a good scare taking “A Walk in the Dark” at Shoreline Park Friday night, there was also a more tame option for those not quite brave enough.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate held a Zombie Walk before it turned dark outside to promote fitness and a fun time.

Families of zombies, goblins and vampires braved the rain and kicked off Halloween weekend with a two-mile trail walk through Shoreline Park on Lewis North. They stopped at The Bistro at Russell Landing to enjoy hot chocolate, finger-shaped cookies and cupcakes, then retraced their route back to the start point. For those who were looking for more of a fright stayed on to attend the opening night of A Walk in the Park.

“We’re trying to build on a Walk in the Park with the Halloween theme,” said Ebony Austin of FMWR. “The Walk in the Park is scary, but with this event I wanted the young ones to be able to come out.”

About 25 people participated in the first Zombie Walk on Shoreline Park, an event that Austin said they plan to turn into an annual activity. A similar zombie walk/run last year began at Sheridan Sports and Fitness Center and circumnavigated Gray Army Air Field. The Lewis North location seemed to afford participants the appropriate mix of distance and creepy fun.

“I already have some ideas for next year,” she said.

For the zombies who forgot their make-up, Alyssa Matthews, administrative assistant for FMWR, was on hand at the make-up table helping apply fake blood and yellow and green face paint.

Inspired by the television show, “The Walking Dead,” the Smith family showed up dressed for the occasion. Parents Heather and Terry Smith, along with their children Lindy and Terry Jr. walked the trail in full zombie attire. Terry even had an exposed fake sternum as part of his costume.

Heather Smith looked online for zombie make-up ideas and perused Halloween stores for the right combination. Even Rocky, the Smith’s Chihuahua, sported zombie blood and a skull and cross bones sweater.

“It’s our Family holiday,” Terry Smith said.

But some children still preferred to be pretty princesses. One, unfazed by the gathering of zombies, strolled down the trail as Snow White.