To be a human or a zombie: That was the question October 11 at CLC YMCA’s second annual Zombie Run, during Pumpkinfest in Damariscotta. The 31 entrants who opted for human received a minute’s head start on their seven zombie counterparts. But while the humans had the numbers and the time advantage, each of them also had three flags to lose.

“If the human loses all their flags ... they’re technically dead, but they can still finish the race,” the Y’s program director Joe Clark said before the start.

Nearby, Clark’s sister Katherine Clark of Newcastle was serving as a volunteer, applying make up to fellow volunteer and zombie Karter Chisolm, also of Newcastle. The volunteers and several area donors of obstacles for the course helped make Saturday’s event happen. Hagar Enterprises, Newcastle Chrysler Jeep & Dodge, N.C. Hunt, Clark Farms and John Pinkham, with round bales, all contributed.

“It all comes together when the community is all helping and supporting,” Clark said.

The same rules applied to zombies and humans on the obstacles:10 jumping jacks for each one skipped.

San Francisco’s Martha Ehrenfeld, a summer Round Pond resident, got fully into character on the course as a zombie. “They think they’re safe,’ she declared about the humans on the run. “But you’re never safe, from a zombie!”

Besides the escapism, the zombie entrants had the added element of being judged for best costume. That prize went to Nobleboro’s Robert Houseman, who ran with fiance and fellow zombie Michelle Burrows of Chicago; the fastest zombie was Kate Johnson, followed by Kris Benarak. Neil Davies won fastest human; Nolan Michael, second fastest.

All the prizes awarded in a kids fun run that followed were based on the costumes. Bristol’s Logan Blaske, 11, a defending champion as grandmother Ruth Piper of Bristol pointed out, took first; Alex Nichols, 9, of Damariscotta, second place; and Miguel Atkinson Tatro, 10, of Friendship, third.

Parents followed alongside the obstacles with smart phones, cameras and calls of “Good job” as their entrants completed one challenge and ran on to the next.

Saturday’s event at the Y benefited youth scholarships to Y programs. Find pictures from this event, other Pumpkinfest action, and more in our Columbus Day Weekend photo gallery.