The Spring 2017 Virtual Race has now come to an end! Runners from over 53 countries suited up and became Rescue 5 to battle hostile hospitals, raging fires, and strange goings on in the Channel Tunnel.
We had over 2,500 leaderboard entries, and let’s take a look at the fastest operatives in the European Rescue Force:
Of course, the Force is all about teamwork, and together, runners racked up some impressive stats:
Phew, that’s a lot of Eiffel Towers to scale!
We loved hearing from runners, those who were competing in a 5k or 10k for the first time, and those beating their personal best times! That, and everyone jumping out of their skin at a certain part of the story…
Here’s a smattering of the fantastic medal pictures we were sent on Instagram and Twitter:
Ran my first ever virtual race tonight with the @ZombiesRunGame Spring 5k! I even got a PR!! 🥇 pic.twitter.com/gaAUrnELjJ
Today, I ran a new 10km PB time of 46mins 42s. Motivated to new heights by the camaraderie of @ZombiesRunGame 🎉😃Thanks to everyone who came! pic.twitter.com/to0qKtifza
5k number two! @ZombiesRunGame never fails, I got goose bumps during this race. My dog and I will be ready for the zombie apocalypse! pic.twitter.com/43mIDiGvWx
Zombies, Run! will be returning for Season 6 on April 26th – set six different alarms, tattoo it into your arm, or, you know, just mark the date in your calendar!
As always, we’ll be releasing two missions a week, with a hiatus at the end of June. The season will then resume in August!
We won’t spoil anything for you, but this season will see Runners 5 everywhere battling zombies, dogged assassins, unprofessional pagans, and – um, butterflies? Wait, that can’t be right…
We’re really excited to bring you this season! Amidst the threats of Season 5 still looming large for Abel, you’ll be seeing old friends and encountering terrifying new terrains. Oh, and a hell of a lot of running.
This roundup has been tricky to edit – since the New Year, the fandom has been bursting at the seams with new fanfic, art and other projects. It’s hard to only include a small smattering of the things you guys have done!
We’ve also been busy ourselves – the Spring Virtual Race is in full swing, we’re gearing up for Season 6, and, as always, we have a few other projects up our sleeves. Look out for more info on the new season next week!
First up, we have the return of our favourite fan podcast, Podcast Detected. The latest offering is Episode 46: The Newbies Take the Comm Shack (and talk about Nadia). Hear them discuss the new Virtual Race, and their complicated feelings on Nadia throughout the seasons.
The Critical Twits Gaming Podcast dedicated Episode 68 – Zombies, Run! Get Fit, Play Games!to us. Tune in to listen them go over the technical ins and outs of ZR, as well as how we compare to other apps!
The Humby abelrunner5 is set after the end of Season 3. This is a fantastic piece of writing, and all the stories in the series are worth a read!
For something completing different, sassamifrass has mixed the world of Zombies, Run! with…Pokémon! You’ve collected a pokéballis a lot of fun, and such a creative use of two different worlds.
A drabble is a story in exactly 100 words, and they’re a challenging exercise for any writer. Lindenharp’s Envyis a great example of how to do it well. An interesting take on Five’s mixed feelings after S4 M14 – with major spoilers! – and how Five might feel towards Veronica.
For our 5th birthday, we asked players for their stories of running with Zombies, Run! – plus we’re revealing some of our precious internal stats!
That’s right, five years ago today, we launched Zombies, Run! on the iTunes App Store, only six months after our Kickstarter. Since then, we’ve had almost 4 million downloads with 250,000 active runners every month – and just look how far they’ve run:
You do the math — the average active runner has spent over 100km with Zombies, Run! That’s no mere gimmick, but a testament to the staying power of our gameplay and narrative. Just as a compelling TV drama can keep us on the edge of our seats every week, a thrilling ‘fitness drama’ can keep you running every week for years on end:
Four years ago, I was desperately bored and tired with life. I was overweight and incredibly unhappy with my current health. Gyms bored me and other exercise routines filled me with dread. I knew I needed to do something but what, I had no idea. I wanted to marry my love of thriller novella with the ease of using a mobile phone app. Zombies Run! came to the rescue and delivered me into a rich and fully realised world of three-dimensional characters, tense storylines, slapstick humour, and of course, zombies!!! I thank you for creating an incredible world that I could access and in turn, become the person I want to be. — Hugh Joseph-Hussain
If you’re caught by the zombies, it’s not the end of the world — we’ve liberally scattered all kinds of supplies across the post-apocalyptic landscape. Over the course of five years, our players have collected over 100 million tins of food, water bottles, bandages, batteries, axes, and of course, sports bras:
After you’ve completed a mission, we automatically begin “Radio Mode” in which our Radio Abel hosts Jack and Eugene will provide tips on how to survive and thrive, along with commentary on your own music. Of course, they don’t actually know what you’re playing, which can result in some odd and lovely moments:
I have yet to find anything that’s as fun and motivating as Zombies, Run! It actually has me excited to go running. One of my favorite moments has to be when I was listening to Radio Abel and Eugene dedicated a song to Jack and my playlist started playing “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John. I thought it was the sweetest most ironic thing and it’s moments like that that I look forward to every day! — Megan Rose
Some of our players and voice actors also called in to tell us about their scariest and most fun experiences with Zombies, Run!:
Virtual Races, Real Motivation
Around a year ago, we began running our first Zombies, Run! Virtual Races. Like traditional races, you pay an entry fee and get a medal, T-shirt, race bib, and certificate, but you can run anywhere and any time you want (within the 10 day race window). And of course, they’re accompanied by a fantastic, thrilling story.
So far, over 15,000 people have entered our Virtual Race series, with many participating in every single race!
What’s Next?
We’ve got zero intention of stopping Zombies, Run! We love working on a game that makes people’s lives better, and we know how much our players rely on us. So we’ve got three big projects on our plate for 2017 at Six to Start:
Zombies, Run! 5k Training 2.0: It’s taken us longer than expected, but rest assured, a major update of our professionally-designed 5k Training app is coming this year, with modern features including support for Spotify, Google Play Music, and Pandora, plus better integration with Apple Health and Google Fit.
ZombieLink 3: Richer, faster, more social, and mobile-first.
Racelink: Racelink takes everything we’ve learned from Zombies, Run! and pours it into a brand new technology platform that lets brands and charities operate their own custom virtual races.
Our first events are starting next month with Run the Solar System by the British Science Association, and the Spy Virtual Race, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. They’re both going to be thrilling races that are far more accessible than traditional races, to runners across the UK and around the world.
We’re really excited to see what the next five years holds for Racelink — we think we can transform every race in the world. Not just running races, but cycling, walking, triathlons, and more. And not just virtual races, but all races. Intrigued? Help us grow by investing in Six to Start.
Escaping Zombies, Changing Lives
It was hard to to pick out just a few of the 100+ we player stories received in the past month (all of which are well-worth reading!), but here are just a few more:
When I started running with Zombies, Run! back in 2012 I could barely run 3 miles. Now I’m training for my first full marathon. I have both done runs when I didn’t really feel like it so I could listen to the stories and run extra miles just so I could hear more bits of the missions. I really can’t thank you enough for all the hours of fun and excitement you have added to my runs. To me this app is just as important to my run as have having on shoes. Thank you! — Nika Gloyeske
Danielle Clarke wins the ‘Most Kitted-Out Runner 5’ award:
Since joining the resistance (ZR) I’ve gone through 3 job changes and my wife retiring. The first 2 years I lost over 95 lbs and dropped 100 points on my cholesterol count. I’ve run many races, obstacle courses and a rucking trek with ZR in my ear all the way; providing a grounding and centering influence in my life and another reason to get out and exercise — completing the missions. — Dave Kalb
Sean Palladino and ZR friends / Allison Bishop:
My Name is Lotte. I’m 17 and living in Germany. I’ve started using Zombies Run in July 2015. I remember sawing it on a German TV show and i thought: “Man, this is the best way for Nerds like me to go on a run”. I was right by the way 😉
At the time, I was only looking for a way to stay in shape, even with my obsession with sweets. But now I’m obsessed with the app. You have to know, that I was most of the time the sick child in my family. Nothing bad really! But I almost had every day a bad headache. I’m suffering from asthma and I had a weak immune system . But know I’m feeling so much healthier. I got a better posture, which was the main reason for my headache. My Asthma isn’t that bad anymore and i don’t get sick that easily. But the best part is my mental health. I suffer from stress and states of anxiety,particulary before exams. Running helps me to deal with this and the story from Zombies run distract me from all my real life problems. Also, seeing yourself become stronger every day is so satisfying. I remember how proud I was, after I ran my first 5K without stopping or when I ran my first 10K race and beaten my Big Brother. I guess one, of the funniest experience with Zombies Run, I had a few days ago, when I came home after a run and I saw two Boys (I guess there were 13) making skateboard tricks on the sidewalk, when one of theme shouting to me: “Hey, do you know how fast you were, when you were running down the street” “No” “You were faster than my Skatebord. That was sick” I just smiled. Little did he know that I was running away from Zombies and i was not willing to drop my supplies.
My Zombies run Story is not very long and it’s not very exciting either, but it is my story and I’m grateful for every step i could make as Runner 5. Stay safe out there
Amazingly, we’re approaching the fifth anniversary of Zombies, Run! That’s right, Zombies, Run! launched all the way back on February 27th, 2012.
We’ve all run a long way since then, so as part of our celebrations at the end of this month, we’d love to share your stories of what Zombies, Run! means to you. You can send us your stories in three ways:
Races are fun, aren’t they? Running alongside thousands of people, motivating yourself to run faster and train more. Getting up at 6am to travel to the race start. Queueing for the toilets. No wait, those bits are awful!
Which is why we’ve made the Zombies, Run! Virtual Race! It’s a 5 or 10k race in April that you can run wherever you are, with exclusive training and race missions!
The story is set during the early days of the zombie apocalypse: a train has stopped in the Channel Tunnel, carrying five hundred souls on board… and one zombie. Saving them will take high-tech exoskeletons, the European Rescue Force, and you.
Your name? Rescue 5.
Not only do entrants get a fantastic running tee and a finisher’s medal, but you get issue 1 of the Zombies, Run! Comic!
Six to Start is based in London, but all of these positions are open to remote workers. We pride ourselves on having a supportive and inclusive work environment that’s understanding with childcare.
Spring Virtual Race – The new Virtual Race is here! This time, a train has crashed in the Channel Tunnel, with 500 souls and 1 zombie onboard. You’ll be playing as Rescue Five, part the European Rescue Force, to save them. You can head over to our Virtual Race site for more info!
The Zombies, Run! comic book – With Kascha Sweeney’s fantastic artwork, we’re all really excited about how this comic book edition of Jolly Alpha Five Niner is shaping up. It’s exclusive to the Spring Virtual Race, and you can see a sneak preview here on our blog.
Introducing Racelink – We’ve just launched our new platform for charities and brands to create their own Virtual Races. You can read our Racelink blog post to learn more about it. Our first races are with the British Science Association for the free-to-enter Run the Solar System race and the Spy Virtual Race for Macmillan, both of which we’ve loved working on!
Season 6 release – You can look forward to more Zombies, Run! episodes in April. What exciting twists and turns does Season 6 hold? Well, that would be telling, but we just know you’re going to love it.
Over on Rofflenet, some poetic Runners 5 were found singing Zombies, Run! themed Christmas carols. This is a small selection for you to enjoy!
By jozzowozzo, to the tune of Jingle Bells:
Dashing through the woods, Runners 4 and 6 by my side, trying to run missions, while watching each other’s hides! Moans from zombies ring, making our hearts race, what fun it is to get to Abel before they close the gates.
Oh! Zombies, Run! We have fun, keeping the zoms away, collecting bras and tins of food and ammo all the day! Zombies, Run! We have fun, keeping the zoms away, keeping Abel safe and sound from the undead scourge all day!
By sandpiper, with season one spoilers and to the tune of O, Christmas Tree:
O Runner 5, O Runner 5 How massive is thy backpack You run so fast, or briskly walk One thing’s for sure, you never talk O Runner 5, O Runner 5 List’ning to Eugene and Jack
O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Much sports bras dost thou bring us! With ev’ry mission, Runner 5 Helps Abel Township to survive! O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Patrols the walls that ring us.
O Runner 5, O Runner 5 How strong thy glutes and hamstrings You ran the night in Season One When nearly killed by New Canton O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Thy legs are sore and aching
O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Demons and Darkness world champ Thanks to you, who are so nice, We finally got 12-sided dice O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Playing late by oil lamp.
O Runner 5, O Runner 5 Out dodging zoms by starlight Sam Yao quite often has expressed Of all his runners, you’re the best, O Runner 5, O Runner 5 I bet you brought back Marmite.
By guyandd, to the tune of Frosty the Snowman:
Zombies are no fun, They clutter up the place. With their missing limbs and their gruesome grins, What a truly loathsome face!
Oh, Zombies are no fun They are such a bloody pain. Shambling here and there, Somewhat unaware, Runners chase and zoms are slain.
There just might be a hatchet, In that backpack 5 just found. And 5 get ready to use it, Cause the Zoms are back in town!
Oh Zombies are no fun, They aim to give us chase. I’d like to sit and chat but Grab your baseball bat, we’ve got Zombies to displace. We’ve got Zombies to displaaaace!
Fanfiction
At one point or other, we’ve all asked ourselves what Runner 5 is keeping in that notebook. The Notebook by Jazoriah answers that question, and weaves it into a story of how Abel Township will always pull together for someone in need.
Humid Summer’s Afternoon by Elford fills the gap between episodes 48 and 49. It’s a great piece, especially given it is their first submission to Archive of Our Own!
There’s never enough Archie Jensen in the world, and Friend in the Field by winterhill sees Archie and Runner 5 bonding after getting stuck outside overnight with injuries.
Unstoppable by Sie_TheRunner5 is a Season 2 re-write. It’s impressive in scope, and brilliantly written. It’s only 2 chapters in at the moment, so you can jump in now without playing catch-up!
The Zombies, Run! book club is coming to an end this week, closing out with Your Ministry & You.
We’ll looking at the Ministry’s closing words, as well as discussing the appendices on how to build a ROFFLENET node and dealing with different kinds of zombies.
Though this is the last official week, these discussions will be open indefinitely over on our Goodreads group, and you can join in any time!
Haven’t got the book yet? You can still buy the signed hardback edition from our store, or purchase the paperback from Amazon or any good bookshop!
Zombies, Run! 