Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus was overrun by zombies on Saturday night – and lots of them.

Nov. 17 was the first ever Grand Valley Humans vs. Zombies Run where around 100 students clad with orange bandanas on their arms tried to avoid other students dressed as zombies in an attempt to find three hidden safe zones on campus and become immune. If any student was tagged by a zombie they had to place the bandana on their head and become a zombie themselves and proceed to tag other students.

The event was initially suggested by Grand Valley sophomore, Sean Pollard, who got the idea from his roommate.

“My roommate, who is an international student, told me of an event they have in Britain in which zombies chase after humans and how it is quite a large event,” Pollard said. “I started thinking to myself how an event like that would be amazing to have here on campus.”

Starting points for the run were located near Kleiner and the Connection where students began their search for the unknown safe zones, which were located in the Mackinac Courtyard, Calder Fine Arts Center, and in front of the Zumberge Library. The 20 zombies were placed strategically around campus before the runners were released. Some students chose to go a stealthier route and search on their own, while others chose teamwork as the best strategy, making new friends throughout the evening.

The run lasted from 7-9 p.m., giving students the chance to make it to all of the safe zones. Zombies hid in numerous places such as behind bushes, in trees and around the corner from safe zones. Though some students made it to every zone on their first try, almost every student was tagged at least once and was granted a second chance at getting to the safe zones. In the end, it was all about the fun of the chase and less about winning.

Following the run, students were welcomed to an after party where free pizza, cookies and hot cider were served in the Thornapple room from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Many students were sad to see the event over, begging Pollard and members of the council to hold the event again next semester.

“It’s hard to create events that are on a Saturday night and are alcohol-free and for students to have so much enthusiasm is really neat,” said Council Advisor Erin Ash. “We are going to discuss the event during our weekly meetings and take everyone’s feedback into consideration, make changes and definitely plan another one soon.”

Pollard proposed the idea of the run to the Laker Village Community Council and then to the Residence Housing Association for approval back in August. From there the Council placed a funding request to the Student Senate and the RHA for the campus wide event. Once the event was approved, Pollard and the council put the plan into action.

Though there are no specifics yet, there will definitely be another zombie run in the future, according to Pollard, and he hopes for it to become an annual event. Until then, he encourages students to keep their eyes peeled for fliers around campus for any upcoming events.

“I really wanted to give the campus an event that could potentially become a tradition,” Pollard said. “I think it’s a great event where students can get actively involved and make it their own and just make it exciting.”
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