FAQ’s are arranged in chronological order, from basic information, through registration, and the events of race day.
When and Where is the race?
Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Panic Point. 2808 Cedar Creek Rd, Youngsville, North Carolina.
What is Panic Point?
Panic Point is a 100 acre recreational venue in Youngsville, NC that hosts Mud Runs and The Haunted Forest at Panic Point every fall.
What is the Zombie Escape?
A unique 5k mud run & obstacle course, sprinkled with hungry zombies. Panic Point is the perfect venue for a monster-themed mud run. We have open space, a scary forest, tons of mud, & lots of experience with zombies.
How do I register for the race?
Click on the purple REGISTER button on the right side of this page.
Do you have a hotel partner?
Yes. The Holiday Inn Express in Wake Forest will book you a King or 2 Queens for $79.99. Follow the link or call them directly at 919-570-5550, or 1-800-HOLIDAY.
What wave should I choose?
If you think you can win, or you are serious about running for a time, choose the elite wave at 9am. We do our best to keep logjams from happening (i.e. we are expanding obstacles and reducing wave sizes for the next race), but we can’t control the pace of 2,000 racers. If you want to get through quickly, register as early as possible. Otherwise, pick the time that works best for you.
Can I register as both a Zombie and a Racer?
Please register only as one. All zombies will be allowed to run the course after the race is over (no timing chip, no flags, no zombies). That wave is scheduled for about 2:30PM. Zombies who wish to run for a time can pay an additional charge for that privilege. (that cost goes up as our race prices increase. It is $20 in May, $30 in June, $45 in July and $60 in August.
Can I see a list and pictures of the obstacles?
Our Course Page has pictures of most of the existing obstacles. Additional obstacles are currently under construction. The 2012 race had 16 obstacles. We are replacing a few of them and adding more, for a total of about 20.
What kind of discounts do you offer?
All discounts are announced on our facebook page. Join and watch for updates. Military and group discounts are available by e-mailing raleighmudrun@gmail.com
How do I stay informed about the race?
Facebook and Twitter, of course.
How old do I have to be to participate?
If you are 14 or older on race day (9.14.13) you can participate without supervision. If you are 10 to 13 you must be accompanied at all times by a paying parent or guardian. Racers under 10 are not permitted.
What are the registration and t-shirt deadlines?
Prices go up the first of every month. The deadline to guarantee your t-shirt choice is September 9th.
Where and when do I pick up my race packet?
Friday, September 13th from 4pm to 7pm. Location TBD. We prefer that locals pick up their packets the night before the race whenever possible. You are permitted to pick up a packet for team/family members. If you pick up your packet on race day, give yourself an extra 10 or 15 minutes.
Is there an Inclement Weather Policy?
Rain obviously won’t stop us, but if the course is unsafe due to lightning or high winds we will delay or postpone the event. The Alternate Date is September 21st.
How early should I arrive?
The Parking Lot is very close. If you leave your car an hour before your scheduled wave you should have plenty of time to sign the waiver, register, put on your bib, hit the head, and get down to the starting line in time.
Where can I park?
Parking is across the street. You will enter the parking lot on Cedar Creek Road, across from the venue, and exit on Tarboro Rd.
Do you charge for parking?
Yes. $10 per car. We charge a little less for the race (pricing starts at just $50) en lieu of free parking. We love the town of Youngsville. Charging for parking is the best way to reduce the impact on the town and the land. So pack ‘em in the family truckster and save.
Is there a Waiver?
Of course. You acknowledge the waiver when you register, and hard copies will be available to sign when you arrive at the race.
Can I check my gear on-site?
Yes. We will have a very large tent with lots of space and lots of volunteers to make sure you can drop it off and pick it up without difficulty.
What are the on-site shower/bathroom facilities?
Plenty of Porta Potties will be on site (7 women, 5 men) and a water truck will provide a temporary open shower area with 12 spaces. Men’s and women’s changing tents will be available if you would like a bit of privacy.
How difficult is the course?
Climbing over walls, crossing rope bridges, and scampering up mud banks is very challenging. The fastest way through the course is to attack everything head-on, and even the fittest people will have some difficulty. But every obstacle has a bail out. If you need to walk around you will be asked to perform a physical task before you are allowed to continue.
Do I need to be able to swim?
The lake crossing is 4 to 5 feet deep depending on recent rainfall. There are two guide-ropes you can use to pull yourself along, and we have a lifeguard on duty. But but if you are not comfortable going in you will be allowed to walk around with no penalty. FYI – the lake water is shocked with chlorine the week of the race.
What about people who cheat?
If you really want to cheat, there is nothing we can do. We’re not dumb enough to award a prize to somebody who comes in with a time of 10 minutes, but we can’t stop a determined cheater. Really, if you think about it, the question is moot. We all know that Zombie Mud Runners are way too cool to be cheaters. Finish with honor.
How does the flag thing work?
Think flag football. When you start the course you will have 3 flags. The zombies on the course will infect you with their mutant zombie virus by stealing all three of your flags (one at a time). After you lose one flag, maybe you have a cough. The second goes, and you’re feeling like you have a bad flu. Lose the third flag and you are officially infected. If you can find a roving medic on the course, you can perform a physical task to temporarily boost your health (the medic will give you a flag). You must have one flag to get an official time (means you qualify for a prize). So if you cross the finish line at 1:30:44, don’t worry so much about your flag.
Can the Zombies and Racers have physical contact?
NO! Deliberate contact is PROHIBITED. Zombies should not push, punch, grab, tackle, hip check, or otherwise physically impede racers. As a racer, think flag football, not regular football. Don’t try to run over a zombie. You can protect your flags by dodging, spinning, sliding, running, and jumping.
What if I lose all my flags?
There are three roaming “Medics” on the course. If you lose your flags, and you find a Medic, you will be given a physical task to perform. Upon completion of the task, you will be given one flag to continue on your journey. The later on the course you find a medic, the harder the task will be.
If we are racing as a team, do all the members have to finish with a flag?
Think of your team as one, eight-legged beast protecting 12 flags. You all have to cross the finish line, but only one of you has to have a flag. Yes, we realize this is a huge game changer for individual vs. team strategy. If you can effectively surround your last healthy teammate, you may be on the road to victory.
Do I get a free beer?
Yup. One free 12 ounce draft beer (ID required at check in) for all of-age participants courtesy of our sponsor, White Street Brewing Co. Did you know that the fermentation process associated with brewing is a natural zombie repellant?
Are you going to have food and music?
Yes. The Fire Pit (Wake Forest) will have plenty of serious BBQ and beverages on hand. Additional beer can be purchased from White St. Brewing. Runaway Cab headlines the event, with other bands TBA prior to the race.
What’s this I hear about shooting the Zombies with a paintball gun?
As a haunted forest we have a few tricks up our sleeve, one of which is our zombie shooting gallery. We’ll let a few zombies loose in a field of broken appliances, hay bales, & assorted junk. Then you, the hunted, can become the hunter. $5 for 20 shots, and worth every penny.
How do I get my results?
You’ll be able to get your time on race day at the venue and we will post the results online within 24 hours of the race. Race results will bee official on September 18th, after we have addressed any timing inquiries.
Are you posting photos?
Yes. We will have a race photographer on site with the GOAL of getting a photo of every racer. Some photos will be free, and others will be available from the photographers for a nominal fee. Your posse can take photos of you in designated spectator areas as well.
I just want to watch the race. Do I have to pay?
Spectator passes are $5. Children 13 and under are free. Think of this as admission to a festival. The $5 covers insurance and access to the party area with live music.
Can I check out the Haunted Forest while I’m there?
Please, no looking behind the curtain. Its bad form. Unauthorized viewing of our haunted trail usually results in nightmares, paranoia, nightmare paranoia, and sometimes possession. The forest opens on October 4th.