July 5, 2026 2:50 a.m. 

Roseburg Optimist Club will have a 5K Zombie Run fundraising event this fall.

An Optimist release said it will take place on Saturday, October 17th in Roseburg’s Stewart Park. Check-in time is 8:00 a.m. with the race starting at 9:00 a.m.

Runners will endure the event, running through a zombie-invested course while they evaluate their speed, endurance and strength trying to avoid ravenous zombies! Runners will be given flags to wear on one side of their waist, like flag football. The flags represent their health. Zombies will try to steal those flags throughout the course. The 5K race is not recommended for children underage six. However, parents with strollers or dogs on leashes are welcome.

All participants will receive a free 5K Zombie Run T-shirt. A commemorative finisher medallion, race bib and snacks will be provided by Thrive Umpqua. Commemorative medallions will be for health races and those infected racers. Infected racers are those who have lost their flags to a zombie during the race.

Optimist organizer Val Gordon said the 5K Zombie Run was founded to celebrate happiness, healthiness and friendship. Gordon said all proceeds raised will support the Optimist Club’s youth programs, including Chalk Art in the Park, school snack packs, school hygiene kits, and the club’s Safety Day Program for schools.

For more information on the race or the Roseburg Optimist Club, go to: www.roseburgoptimist.com