PEOPLE will be running for their lives during a zombie escape event in Bournemouth next month.

In the lead-up to Halloween, a 5k obstacle course is being set up in Kings Park. Participants will wear a bib with three flags attached and make their way along the course while avoiding the zombies attempting to grab their flags.

As well as hordes of the undead, the course will involve a series of other obstacles including scramble nets, hay bale jumps and a maze.

The aim is to make it to the finish line (the ‘safe zone’) without losing all three ‘lives’ and becoming ‘infected’.

Event organiser Steen Stones said he was still recruiting volunteer zombies for the event, which will help raise money for Dorset Mind.

“I’ve worked in events for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve organised an event like this. I have a little bit of a zombie obsession from shows like the Walking Dead, and I’m passionate about health and fitness. This run will be untimed as it’s about having fun and getting out with family and friends.”

Steen says the event will feature a range of zombie types including “rage zombies” and “supermarket shufflers”.

The zombies will make no physical contact – they will only attempt to grab participants’ life flags.

All is not lost if you lose all your lives as the course will contain hidden first aid booster packs to restore a life. There will also be Zombie Elimination Roaming Operatives (ZEROs) on hand to help.

“It will be like you’re back in your favourite television series or game,” Steen said.

“I started planning this event and designing the course at the beginning of this year. I’m still building my zombie volunteer base – around 50 or 60 will be Dorset Mind volunteers.”

The event takes place on Saturday, October 21, with the first set of runners starting at 10am.

Runners are even invited to go round the course twice and become ‘hero racers’ – but they will be a greater target for zombies.

“They’ll wear a headband so the zombies will aim for them. They’ll be able to help others by donating a life too,” Steen said.

To buy a ticket for the event, visit zombie-escape.co.uk.