Running Dead Zombie Mud Run

This has to be the worst mud run. It was so disorganized and the organizers were extremely rude. The whole thing was like they were trying to make the most money and doing the least amount of work.
The mud was a mixture of mud and manure because it is after all Gibson Ranch and the horses are in plain sight. For the rest of the run you smell like manure and in fact are covered in manure. It’s disgusting.
The zombies are aggressive– I got pushed and slapped on the arm. Hardly anybody had flags after the first mile.
Anybody could have just shown up to run, there was no organization at all. They basically just took your money and said go. Money to run, money to park and then even had the volunteer zombies pay for makeup. Ridiculous!

Fail: Super disorganized. Rude people at check in. No certificates or necklaces or anything else when you finished. Too few belts/​flags for runners. No goody bags or snacks. Worst
event I’ve encountered. Tough mudder might have run out of water at mile 10, but this was ridiculous. The zombie volunteers did a great job, but they trickled down in numbers the later it got. Zombie kids are scary for real. Long lines of cars to get in/​out with no person on the main road to direct traffic to make it work. Course crossed or went right by the street with vehicles in action a few times (beginning and end stretch). Mud pits had the clear stench of horse manure. Lots of horse poo on the track. Yay for the food trucks. Plenty of porta potties. I think we’ll just be zombies next year.

This was so much fun. The preparation and build up was top notch fun, and very exciting. The only area lacking was the execution upon arrival. I didn’t encounter any real problems aside from them running out of gift bags for winners. But it did seem a little thrown together at moments. This may be due to a lack of support staff though, I’m not sure. But all in all it was still very well done and i would highly recommend giving it a shot. I am by no means a fitness freak; I don’t run regularly or work out nearly as much as I should. In fact I eat pretty damn unhealthily, but I do love new things, and zombies. So I had to try this. And I did just fine. I ran almost the entire way, and did all the provided obstacles, and at the end, while I was exhausted, the adrenaline had me wanting to go again. I’ll do it again next year, for sure.

This was an incredible event, considering it was the first time… but parking WAS A NIGHTMARE! That HAS to be rectified before next year, or the races need to be spaced out better… it took over an hour to leave after the race. Otherwise, a very fun event!!!

The fun premise of the Zombie Mud Run wasn’t enough to forgive the haphazardly strewn-​together venue: Parking was a gridlocked zig-​zag through a dirt field, lines so disproportionately outnumbered the staff manning the registration table that names were called so runners could grab their bibs and make their wave on time, and flags were scattered on the ground in piles, subject to an apparent honor system. I was registered for 1:15 and ended up hitting the course a half hour late.
The obstacles and zombies were fun enough, and a handful of Zombie volunteers really got into character. But a couple d-​bags snatched a few too many of my nephew’s flags even though he played by the rules and trudged through the mud. Not cool: The way I see it, with a $ 75 ticket price (and don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to support the charities), rules should be rules.
From what I understand, this was the first year Running Dead hosted this race.
Next year, they really should take a cue from other popular foundations and allow
runners to pick up bibs and registration materials in advance to avoid repeating
this mess.

This run was super festive. Some people were dressed up. I saw a guy who was dressed like a Spartan, plastic sword and all!
I don’t think Gibson Ranch or Good Day Sacramento was expecting the large turnout because it was congested.
This was my first «mud run» I’m not sure if it was Gibson Ranch’s first Zombie run or not, but it was a bit disorganized. It was a great effort, though and we had fun.
My husband had hurt his foot, so we didn’t run a lot (only from the walking/​running dead) but we did laugh a lot. The Zombies did a great job and the make-​up was great.
The obstacles were fun and not too difficult. We had the 1:00 start time. The one road in and one road out left the long driveway backed up so they sent the cars down another side road, which was also the runner path, therefore there was nowhere to run from the zombies which caused runners to jump behind and on (non moving) cars, which was HILARIOUS!!!
One guy kept yelling «Meet at Hershal’s barn!» in reference to «The Walking Dead», a show that were obsessed with.
The mud/​water pits smelled like cow poop. REALLY BADLY. I didn’t get infected by the zombie virus but I may have gotten an infection.
TIPS: Wear clothes/​shoes/​socks that you can throw away afterwards I washed my socks 2 times and then threw them out.
They gave you football flags to defend from the Zombies and said that your time didn’t count if you crossed the finish line without your flags, but they didn’t keep track. You just dumped them into a box after the finish line. NBD
I did NOT bring my phone because I didn’t want it to get trashed. I did see a smart lady who brought her iPhone in a baggy and was able to snap pictures of the obstacles. I may do that next year.
Overall the Zombie Run didn’t take itself too seriously, (after all it was only practice for the Zombie apocalypse) therefore it was easy going, enjoyable and a great time. Just run toward the free beer!
I’ll probably do it next year.

For the same reason that others have stated, I am giving this race a low score because of how poorly it was organized. I had never ran a mud run of any kind before this one at Gibson Ranch, so this review is simply a summary of how I felt as a customer/​participant.
1) Parking was TERRIBLY managed considering that you had to pay to park. We arrived to the ranch about an hour and a half before our scheduled 11am race time and it was already a slow crawl to make it into the dirt parking lot.
2) Registration was terribly planned. Our team split up to get into the asinine registration lines where these organizers assumed that there would be an equal amount of people in the more common letters as there would be in the less common. Derp
3) After waiting for 45 minutes in line, we were introduced to the registration Nazi that started yelling at people to step back and allow all of the people that did not follow the instructions and showed up right before their race time to move to the front. I am a tall guy, so she singled me out and told me to step back. Having followed the instructions to arrive an hour early and wait in line, I refused. I let the stragglers pass me in line, but hell if I was going to step back and start over. This angered the Nazi and she did everything possible to prevent us from getting our race bib. She tried belittling us by stating that we were acting like children. Um hello, we are your CUSTOMERS dumb dumb.
4) We were fortunate enough to be doing a morning race as the organizers ran out of t-​shirts and flags for the people showing up for later start times. A coworker that did a later race had to use recycled flags (which I was told was not regulated) and witnessed most people taking off with 3+ flags and hardly ANY volunteer zombies to make the race a challenge.
5) Nowhere online did it say that minors could not be in any part of the beer gardens. I understand as to why they outlawed kids, but when both parents are wanting the beer they were promised and were not warned to leave the little ones at home (they advertised what appeared to be a family friendly environment online), it made for a quick stay after the race.
6) The race itself was fun, but could have been better. There was no penalty for avoiding obstacles and it didn’t seem like the volunteer zombie actors were aware that this was a non-​contact event. I found this out when the biggest one I encountered gave me a bear-​hug when I tried running past him or when a group of them pushed me into the direction of another. Lastly, the promised «prizes» for finishing with your flag was nowhere to be found.
I understand that this was the first go for these guys, but they should have done their homework and been better prepared for BASIC crowd control and registration. A signed waiver does not release you from negligence and false advertisement!

Was fun… plenty obstacles for just three miles… need more zombies next time although we were at the later start so maybe most of them were at the earlier starts… the registration needs big improvements… the line wasn’t moving and seemed unorganized… I finally just went through the box of numbers and never even signed a waiver there was no one really leading the runners… other than that obtacles were fun…

Let me start by saying I’m giving three stars only because I’ve never been to a mud run or any other 5k event like this. And, my group also had a lot of fun (but we can have fun ANYWHERE). With that being said…
I agree with the negative reviews on here. We never received any information on rules, a map, nothing. We did receive an email saying stay tuned for the other email. Parking was crazy, although the people working there were trying their best to get everyone to obey their parking rules. Yes, there was no toilet paper in the potties. I had to use a paper seat cover, but that was no big deal. The registration booth was an absolute nightmare. We were in the 1:00 group (wave 9), and waited appropriately in the line for V-​Z, as our last name is W. Our line was short, not too many people with V-​Z last names, and apparently people in line felt we were cutting them, which wasn’t the case. People, overall, were absolutely obnoxious, and that is definitely not the organizers fault. What is their fault is not having a set system in place and sticking to it. While waiting in line, they called for people racing at 1pm to come to the front of the line, which we did. While waiting to get our stuff, a girl handing out numbers screams «Letter S for 1:30», so people began shoving forward. It was just not a good time in there.
The race itself was fun. The zombies were great. What wasn’t great was that my son still had all his flags, and as he went to go to the slip n slide, a non-​zombie staff member took all his flags. He was pretty pissed, but he finished anyway.
When all of our group finished the race, we went and got cleaned off and changed our clothes, then left. The beer garden was ridiculous. There was no point in even attempting to get our free beer. We had no idea there were goodie bags, but that was no big deal.
All this and we had to pay $ 75 each to race. Next year we will return to see what improvements have been made and absolutely look for groupon or social deals.

I had recently done the Foam Run at Gibson Ranch which was a complete blast so I had high hopes for the Running Dead Zombie Run. I NEVER HEARD FROM THEM AGAIN! I sent two emails, one polite one threatening, to the organziers. I was eventually assured my registration would be taken care of at the race and all I had to do was get there an hour early. I did leave with plenty of time but did not realize while parking was easy for the Foam Run, it was a thirty minute crawl to get to park and twenty five minute wait to get my bib. Unlike other people I was able to run with my wave as it started fiften minutes late luckily. The run itself was great, really fun and actually pretty exciting to be chased by costumed zombies. The obstacle course wasn’t as elaborate as the Foam Run but the blood cannon and climbing walls were fun. By the end we were muddy tired and happy. Until we found out they ran out of t shirts and there was no prize for surviving (not that I survived, I lost all three Life Flags to zombies). They also ran out of cups for water so we shared one cup we found and kept refilling it.
Despite the minuses I would do this run again. I have done multiple runs and I know there are bugs that have to be worked out. (I was run over by a woman with a giant baby stoller during the Urban Cow this month, at least this run didn’t have crazy mothers hitting people on the course with htier children!). I was told by an organzier they just didn’t have enough personnel this go around. It was a first for them so I can cut them some slack. I look forward to having the chance to keep my flags next year!

This was less a «Zombie mud run» and more of a «Angry people and little kids trying to grab flags» type run.
From the beginning it was a complete mess and very poorly organized. Better organization could have made this a much better event. Specifically:
1. The event organizers promised rules for the zombies and runners would be emailed out the day before the event. This never happened.
2. Because of this, many zombie volunteers ignored the rules about not chasing runners while ON the obstacles and many were very aggressive making lots of contact — something specifically listed on the website as not ok.
3. Because of the aggressive «zombie» volunteers, who really just wanted to grab as many flags as possible, several runners were hurt when chased into barb wire fences, traffic and off the course. We saw a young boy literally get chased into barb wire fencing. His parents were livid and the zombie volunteer didn’t even check on him. Lots of spectators were yelling at the volunteer and taking pictures. Expect negative press on this.
4. Many «zombies» would wait at narrow choke points and in a very un-​zombie like manner, work with teams of zombies to specifically only go after people with flags. Talking, coordinating and saying things like «go after the guy in blue».
5. All this would have been fine, if the event organizers clearly laid out the rules. Had it been known that there would be «fast» zombies and «slow» zombies, no problem, but many runners lost out because we followed the rules, by trying to avoid contact, when the «zombies» didn’t.
6. There were multiple cases of the zombies sprinting, yes, sprinting — happened three times to me but they were too slow — after runners with flags, at the end of the course. This is just plain stupid as they’re no longer zombies, but just people angry people chasing you for a flag.
7. The heats were all slow to start and delayed by at least half an hour.
8. Parking was a joke and took an hour just to leave as there was no coordination.
9. Portable toilet stalls ran out of toilet paper.
10. Trashcans were overflowing.
11. Ran out of paper cups at the water station.
It was a shame because this could’ve been much more fun and professional, but lack of leadership and organization at the top turned this into a giant mess.
Many people were disappointed and angry.
I felt bad for most of the volunteers as they worked very hard and did a great job putting up with the huge crowds.
My friends and I made it with a flag each, but the overly aggressive, un-​zombie-​like volunteers ruined it for us.
In the end however, it was clear the organizers just wanted to make as much money as possible. Too bad they’ve ruined their reputation with over 5,000 people.
Many people paid good money for a good run with a fun twist, but this was a joke. I’ll be sticking to the more professional mud runs next time.

This was my first mud run event and I am hungry (no pun intended) for the next. I felt that I was mentally and physically prepared for this event, but I was wrong, dead wrong. I played enough zombie games and watched my fair share of movies, but I can honesty say that I am not ready for the zombie apocalypse.
From beginning to end, it will be something I will always remember. There were plenty of zombie bait and zombies to go around. The mud pits were nicely designed, extremely wet and muddy. The kids zombies were the scariest because they were so cute, but so deadly. My favorite zombie was this guy in a suit that pretended to let everyone pass. As we let our guards down, he began to chase the hoards of runners doing full sprints. Every obstacles hold a special place in my heart.
My only complaint was caused by a spectator that grab my flag while I was evading from 2 zombies after the wall climb. I was furious because it lowered my chances of surviving the run. However, I was too focused on saving my last flag that I just booked it and ignored what happened. I did see that lady again later on and she had a fat stack of lives. That was unfair and annoying. I will curse that lady for the rest of the month. Also, the zombies were placed in areas where it was next to impossible to avoid.
The beer at the end was amazing because I got a good morning buzz going from the lack of sleep, food, and water. =) There were plenty of vendors and things to do available after your run.
As always, Unilocal put on one hell of an event. Can’t wait for the next event.
5 stars!
You know I enjoyed it.

I had lots of fun yesterday! Great job to Dustin & Rachael for planning everything :) However, because it was their first zombie mud run, things were a bit hectic and unorganized.
1. Parking took about half an hour.
2. Registration took an hour.
3. There weren’t enough zombies at the 1:30pm wave :(I had all my lives left at the end. I can’t be that good!
4. I didn’t get a prize at the end, as advertised.
5. Some obstacles were unattended.
6. I walked down the slip & slide because there wasn’t enough water.
7. My friends didn’t get their shirts because they ran out.
But all in all, I had a good time. It’s good practice for my Spartan Beast Race next month! I’m sure if Dustin & Rachael do another Zombie Mud Run for next year, they will make improvements!
Tip: For future events, look out for deals online (this goes for most events)

Muddy Muddy Race! Great race! Zombie kids were by far the scariest hah. There were superman zombie, zombie doctor, zombie clowns, zombie nurse, zombie bride and many more. I got my only flag stolen by a zombie kid. Those rascals are clever! I thought I was in the clear then she snatched it! i stayed alive and survived, made it to the CDC in one piece luckily hah. Fun race! Probably the most challenging part was probably before the ladder wall because there was an open field filled with zombie ! I was definitely winded when I got to the high wall! I saw our CM Alex out and about for flesh! You almost got me buddy! It was zombie madness! At one point I was seriously trying to protect my flag at all cost as if it were my life. Using those who already lost all their flag as a human shield. And sacrificing the children to save myself. Hah. It was awesome. A great time! I’d definitely do another run like this.

This could only be described as the ultimate blood curdling, brain eating good time. Who knew so many people loved zombies? There must have been at least 3000 people or more who ran the course throughout the day.
I showed up as a zombie volunteer, which basically meant I put on full makeup, went out on the track, hid strategically, and tried to grab runners flags after jumping out of the trees and terrifying them. This was even more fun than it sounds. I’m sure the runners loved it since they also had to navigate obstacle courses like mud pits, haystacks and barriers.
All in all, a memorable, well organized and original event. Can’t wait for next year!