Zombiethon Attacks Cancer This Halloween

Put those running shoes on for Halloween and dress up like a zombie this Saturday for the inaugural Zombiethon, a fundraiser for brain cancer research Oct. 31 from 4-6 pm at the Silver Lake reservoir. The family friendly event includes a fun run/walk around the reservoir and a zombie costume contest.

Coordinator of Zombiethon, Jill Kleinhaus, came up with the idea while doing her usual routine jog around the reservoir. “One day, I recognized the boredom on the faces of all the other regulars. I began to wonder, 'What if the activity around Silver Lake was a little more exciting?' So naturally, I asked myself, 'What if zombies descended upon Silver Lake?' I envisioned mobs of zombies chasing after the fashionable Silver Lake mommies pushing their baby joggers with their little dogs shuffling quickly behind.”

Kleninhaus mentioned it to some friends including Dani Barkat who would become Zombiethon co-coordinator. Neither had ever done a fundraiser before but they knew the concept and mission was well worth their time. “The idea quickly grew into a fun, fantastic way to do something positive and support an important cause,” she says. That very cause became brain cancer research, not only because of the natural connection to zombies but also a personal one: Kleinhaus sadly lost her mother to brain cancer in 2007.

Participants are asked to donate $10 which also inlcudes a goodie bag, beverages from A Runner’s Circle of Los Feliz and snacks from Larabar. For those who lack the proper zombie attire, professional special effects make-up artists will be on-site to create the perfect look for a $5 donation. The event definitely puts the fun into fundraiser. If you see a mob of zombies running around the reservoir on Halloween, don’t be alarmed - they are actually helping to cure cancer.