Why Zombies Run: The Origins of the Undead Fun Run

Laura Kuhn
Jul 20
2 min read

Before the floats roll, before the brass bands blast, and before the cocktail-fueled conga lines take over the French Quarter—there’s the shuffle. The groan. The blood-spattered sneakers pounding the pavement in undead unison.

We’re talking about the New Orleans Zombie Run—the gory, glorious, adrenaline-fueled tradition that kicks off Halloween weekend like only this city can.

But how did this spooky sprint rise from the grave and become the starting pistol for Krewe of BOO!’s Halloween extravaganza? Let’s jog through the origin story of everyone’s favorite fun run—emphasis on fun (and run for your life).

🧠 It Started with a Simple Idea: What If We Made Fitness...Horrifying?

Back in the early 2010s, while fitness fiends were perfecting their 5Ks and Halloween lovers were plotting costume parties, the Krewe of BOO! had a brilliant idea: Why not combine cardio with chaos?

The Zombie Run was born as a tongue-in-cheek answer to the traditional road race—because in New Orleans, we don’t just run, we lurch, moan, and sprint for our lives from fully costumed “zombies” chasing us through the streets. It’s part obstacle course, part horror movie, and all local flavor.

🧟‍♂️ Zombies vs. Survivors: Pick Your Team, Dress the Part

Participants can choose to be a Survivor (aka, the one doing the actual running) or a Zombie (the one doing the chasing, dragging limbs and growling dramatically). Each year, the costumes get more outrageous: think ballerina zombies, Elvis zombies, voodoo zombies, and yes—zombie King Cakes.

Blood, sweat, and glitter? That’s the NOLA trifecta.

🏁 Where It Happens: Downtown Warehouse District

The race kicks off at Lucy's Retired Surfer's Bar—701 Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District of Downtown New Orleans—and ends back at Lucy's, just in time to fuel up at a bar brunch or stumble into a street party. The route is lined with spectators who cheer, scream, and sometimes throw beads at the more convincing groaners.

Think of it as the most entertaining cardio session you’ll ever fake.

🎃 'Tis the Spooky Season!

In New Orleans, Halloween isn’t a one-night affair—it’s a multi-day, full-blown, costume-clad season. The Zombie Run sets the tone with theatricality, community, and a healthy dash of undead humor. It’s the pre-party that revs the engine for the Krewe of BOO! parade, the Monster Mash, and a weekend packed with mischief and mayhem.

Plus, it gives locals and visitors a chance to show off their creativity and get in some steps before diving face-first into daiquiris.

💉 It’s for a Good Cause (Not Just Brain Cravings)

Proceeds from the run help support local charities and organizations—so your scream-filled sprint isn’t just entertaining, it’s impactful. Who knew the apocalypse could be so altruistic?