By Nance Ebert, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – For the second year, on Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, there will be a lot of zombies running around town as part of the Zombie 5K Fun Run/Walk hosted by the Assabet Valley Marine Corps JROTC cadets.
The run will begin at the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School football field with one lap around the track. It will then continue onto the Rail Trail north to Hudson turning shy of Route 85 and then loop back. All participants will get three flags, which zombies will try to take from them along the route. Anyone left with a flag at the end of the race will have finished “alive.”
Before the run begins, the Unit Color Guard will present the colors with the National Anthem at the starting line. There will also be an Exhibition Drill Team marching and a rifles presentation. At the conclusion of the race, registered finishers will receive a medal. Donated food and refreshments will also be provided.
“As a senior military instructor for the JROTC program at Assabet, I feel it is extremely important for our youth to be fit and remain active. Our program helps to develop leadership so our country can be lead in a positive direction, whether that be in the business, civic or military world,” said Chief Warrant Officer III, Randolph P. Mann, known as “Gunner.”
Mann is a retired U.S. Marine as of last year; he retired from active duty to assume the position at Assabet. While on active duty his two most favorable duty stations were a drill instructor at MCRD Parris Island and the executive officer for the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific in Yokosuka, Japan.
“The position at Assabet Valley allows me to remain attached to the Marine Corps and allow for long-term family stability as well as fulfill my desire to help the next generation be ready to lead their desired communities,” Mann said.
The JROTC program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School is supported by the community and surrounding towns. Eleven communities contribute students to this program. They do a lot of volunteer work and participate wherever and whenever they can.
“Last year we did over 72 events in the surrounding communities. They range from parking details at a fair, serving meals to the homeless with ‘Stop Hunger Now,’ snow removal service at a local senior living facility and more,” Mann said. “Through the umbrella of leadership education, our program helps to create character building life lessons through community, citizenship, patriotism, self-respect and confidence. It’s a program to help develop leadership.”
The funds raised will go toward trips and cold weather supplies. Cadets are required to wear their uniform one day each week as well as a physical training uniform another day each week. As the weather gets colder, warmer outer clothing is needed. This event will help to generate revenue to support the program.
For additional information on how to register for the race, visit [email protected].