Mickey Fivenson, former director of Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival Races, shares the results of the 8th annual Traverse City Zombie Run. But winning doesn’t just mean getting the fastest time. For Mickey and other runners, winning is completing a race and feeling good.


Race director, Matthew Ross and his crew of happy volunteers, greeted 937 runners and walkers to the 8th annual Traverse City Zombie Run and Walk, Saturday, October 29 at Right Brain Brewery on 16th Street in Traverse City. The race was sponsored by Meijer, 97.5 KLT Radio, Right Brain Brewery, Doctors Walt and Susan Noble, Cone Drive, Williams Honda, Patient Care Specialists, IPR Radio, Tart Trails, Allen Kent Photo, Kathy’s Auto Repair, Crawford Art & Design, S.M. Smyka DDS, ALS Net and Dr Robert Dotterrer. Proceeds from the event benefited the Tart Trails.

SEE MORE OF MICKEY FIVENSON’S RUNNING RACE BLOG POSTS.

If you want to see your results or if you are looking for a friend’s time, visit the official website, www.tczombierun.com. If you want to see one of the most creative running websites, if you want a few laughs, if you want to be “frightened,” go to the official website, www.tczombierun.com. Whether or not you are a runner, you will be in for a treat.

All photos by Mickey Fivenson

Who were the winners? The following runners/walkers were all winners. No, they were not the fastest, but they participated, they conquered the course and some of them overcame serious health obstacles.

For example Lynn Miller, age 63, Jackson completed the 5K. Her friend, Nancy Loveall, 63, of Dimondale, did the 5K walk in costume despite two artificial knees.

Veronica Allard, 11, of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, is a competitive swimmer and sailor. This was Veronica’s first 5K.

George, 57, and Susan Townsend , 47, of TC enjoyed the event in zombie costumes.

Tony Anderson, 54, of Buckley, is preparing for his 30th marathon as he raises funds for Big Brothers-Big Sisters. Tony is running his next marathon in November with a replaced hip. Good luck, Tony. Only 17 more to go as Tony completes a marathon in each state!

John Morse, 58 of Lake Ann, completed the 5K after back surgery 2 years ago during which John was forced to use a cane.

Mili Shluter, 47, of Interlochen won the costume contest as a Victorian Zombie. Her friend, Julia O’Mason was dressed as a disturbed teen.

Frank Foote, 45, from Buckley, was the male costume winner dressed as a zombie sheriff.

Becky, 56, Dave, 66, and Megan Escklson did the 5K. Becky dropped her formerly pre-diabetic A1C from 6 to 5.5 with exercise.

Dr. Jim Woodburne, 76, and Mike Tarnow, 69, run because it makes them feel good.

Dr. Kevin Omilusik, of TC, ran the 5K, although Kevin usually runs a bit farther. He runs ultra-marathons of 50 miles or more. Dr. Omilusik is a Munson Hospital emergency room physician who sees the negative results of non-exercise every day.  He takes the time to train from a very busy schedule because he knows the importance of exercise.

Penelope and Magdalena Kleinrichert, 13 of TC, were dressed as the scary twins from The Shining. Did I say they were scary?

I ran part of the race with my long-time running friend Mike Dakoskey of TC. Mike has eight T-shirts from each of the past Zombie runs. That’s a lot of Zombie shirts. For a retiree, Mike looks great.

MY race winner, no he wasn’t the fastest, was Steve Haughton, 53 of Grawn. Steve ran the 5K after suffering a heart attack 8 years ago. Steve lowered his blood pressure by 30%, his cholesterol  by 25% and his weight by 60 pounds. Steve has this message for others: “You have to stay active to live happy. There is life after a heart attack.”

Race director, Matthew Ross, wants you to join him and his scary crew at next year’s  9th annual Zombie Run. You will enjoy the costumes and the fun. But remember, ask your doctor for permission to start an exercise program.

About the author:
Mickey Fivenson, 74, of Traverse City, is a stroke survivor. Mickey’s doctor credits running to his survival. He is the former director of the National Cherry Festival Races. Mickey founded the Cherry Festival Golden Mile and Wheelchair Races. He has completed over 60 marathons and holds a marathon record with his sons, Zack and Adam. He has run 150,000+ miles in 48 years of training. Mickey, along with his two dogs, took 3rd place in his age group in this year’s Zombie Run.


[publication mode=”thumb” name=”medical” align=”left” link=”viewnow”]

More Northern Michigan Fitness Inspiration

Photo(s) by Mickey Fivenson