How to organise a zombie run from route to finish

Start by fixing the date, route and starting point before recruiting actors or ordering race materials. Then handle permits, notifications, insurance and the safety plan while the route is still easy to change. Once registration opens, you can assign starter groups, brief volunteers and prepare the zombie zones around the course. On race day, check the route, obstacles, communications, first-aid equipment and weather before participants arrive.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Record date and route
2 people
2
Reserve the venue and starting point
3
Arrange permits and notifications
2 people
4
Check insurance
5
Prepare safety plan
2 people
6
Inspect route
3 people
7
Set obstacles and zones
3 people
8
Inform emergency services
9
Publish registration form
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Recruit volunteers
2 people
14
Select zombie actors
2 people
15
Assign starter groups
2 people
16
Create volunteer briefing
17
Create the zombie briefing
18
Design race numbers
19
Design route signs
20
Order wristbands and numbers
21
Order prizes and medals
22
Order catering
23
Check materials
2 people
24
Send route information
25
Check the weather forecast
26
Do the shopping
3 people
27
Sort bib numbers
2 people
28
Set out route packs
3 people
29
Lay out zombie costumes
3 people

Event

30
Mark off the venue
4 people
31
Build the start and finish arch
4 people
32
Set up registration tables
3 people
33
Build the catering point
3 people
34
Connect the sound system
2 people
35
Put up route signs
5 people
36
Set up barriers safely
5 people
37
Set up lighting
3 people
38
Set up the first aid station
2 people
39
Apply Zombie Makeup
5 people
40
Dress zombie actors
4 people
41
Brief volunteers
2 people
42
Brief zombie actors
2 people
43
Open registration desk
4 people
44
Hand out race numbers
4 people
45
Receive participants
3 people
46
Give safety instructions
2 people
47
Guide the start groups
4 people
48
Handle starting signals
2 people
49
Staff zombie zones
12 people
50
Staff route checkpoints
8 people
51
Count participants
3 people
52
Hand out water
4 people
53
Refill drinks
2 people
54
Serve snacks
3 people
55
Register finishers
3 people
56
Hand out medals
2 people
57
Assist at the photo spot
2 people
58
Provide music
59
Register lost property
60
Receive the last participants
3 people
61
Close the Finish Area
3 people
62
See participants off
3 people

Aftercare

63
Clear the route
5 people
64
Take down obstacles
5 people
65
Dismantle furniture
4 people
66
Pack up the sound system
2 people
67
Collect waste
4 people
68
Clean the venue
4 people
69
Inventory materials
2 people
70
Return borrowed materials
2 people
71
Clean costumes
2 people
72
Clean up leftovers
2 people
73
Handle lost and found items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
Registration deskqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Megaphoneqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 250
Wristbandsqty 250
Medalsqty 250
Starter pistol
Conesqty 80
Ribbonsqty 20
Obstacle fencesqty 12
Skipping ropesqty 10
Climbing netsqty 2
Foam matsqty 12
Water barrelsqty 6
Bucketsqty 12

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 35
Crowd control barriersqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Traffic conesqty 30
Flashlightsqty 12
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Warning signsqty 20

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6

Decorations

Start and finish arch
Route signsqty 25
Zombie decorationsqty 30
Plastic spider websqty 10
Fake bloodqty 12
Photo backdrop
Arrow stickersqty 50

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Platesqty 250
Cutlery setsqty 250
Serving plattersqty 12

Cleaning

Mopsqty 4
Buckets for cleaningqty 4
Hand broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Inspect the complete route before setting obstacles. Mark crossings, narrow sections and areas where crowd-control barriers or barrier tape are needed, then give volunteers clear positions and walkie-talkies.
Complete permits, notifications, insurance and emergency-service contact details before publishing the registration form. Build in at least two weeks for approvals or changes, especially if the route uses public space.
Set starter groups with enough separation to prevent runners from catching the group ahead too quickly. Prepare bib numbers and wristbands in registration order so check-in does not become a bottleneck.
Brief volunteers and zombie actors separately at least one day before the run. Cover boundaries, stop signals, participant assistance and what to do if someone is injured or leaves the course.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the event and again on race morning. Keep party tents, water barrels, first-aid kits, emergency blankets and spare communication equipment ready rather than waiting for a problem.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a zombie run?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead. Use the first two weeks for the date, route, venue, permits, insurance and safety plan, then open registration once the course is confirmed.
How many volunteers do I need for a zombie run?: Plan for at least one volunteer at every crossing, obstacle zone and registration point, plus a route lead and first-aid contact. Count the posts after inspecting the route; a course with five controlled points needs at least five stationed volunteers before adding actors.
When should I recruit zombie actors and volunteers?: Recruit volunteers and actors 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Finalise assignments and send the briefing at least 7 days before the run so missing people can still be replaced.
What should I check on the morning of a zombie run?: Allow 2 to 3 hours before the first start. Walk the route, check cones, fences, climbing nets, mats and signs, test microphones and walkie-talkies, set up registration, and confirm first-aid and emergency access.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.