Ghouls, goblins and other Halloween characters raise thousands to benefit local United Way

SALISBURY, Md. – Runners from across the lower eastern shore laced up their running shoes, and dressed in some spooky outfits, to take part in the Zombie infested 5K at Salisbury University Saturday morning.

Eleanor Brown, the SU Student United Way treasurer, tells us this tradition was born out of the idea of raising money, while staying in the holiday spirit.

“Let’s have the community come on to Salisbury University, dress up in their favorite costumes and come out to support a great cause.”

Over 100 runners and walkers dodged rain drops, and some zombies, all to raise funds for dozens of local charities.

“It was so cool, I was running throughout, smiling the whole time, right over there where they had the zombies coming out, it was fun,” said Yousuf Alnaseri, a junior at James M. Bennett High School, and the race’s winner.

Some local athletes use the trek as race prep, while others have made it an annual fall tradition.

“I do it every year because I support the United Way, I really like what they do and they give back to the community so I really like running this,” said Salisbury University senior, and race participant, Tanzer Balimtas.

And 100-percent of the proceeds benefit the local charities United Way works with, charities like the Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Salvation Army.

“This past year we impacted over 86,000 of our neighbors in need.  It’s one in three people here on the shore,” said Kacey Decker, the special projects manager at the local United Way.

We’re told this event raised $6,500 last year.  Officials tell us the goal for this year’s event is to raise over $8,000.