Zombies chase runners, children paint pumpkins during 2012 Fall Fest Published Nov. 2, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Thirty-six volunteers acting as zombies chased 217 Team Vance runners during the "Zombie Fun Run" 5K, the kickoff event for the 2012 Fall Fest held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Oct. 30. In the Halloween spirit, some runners dressed as their heroic icons, like He-man and Tigger. Hungry "zombies" meandered around points along the route ready to swarm over runners who came within reach of the ravenous rotting corpses. The goal of the zombies was to snatch stripes of yellow caution tape from the waistbands of runners, signaling the runners had died. Runners who survived did not receive any awards other than pride, or perhaps relief, in their ability to survive a 5K while chased by zombies. After the run, zombies and survivors made their way past pumpkin painting, an inflatable bouncy castle and obstacle course to the AFRC where free hotdogs and hamburgers were served, courtesy of the Falcon's Nest Bowling Center. More than 500 people attended this year's Fall Fest with their families, friends and peers. Children waddled around in their oversized costumes playing games and waiting in line for balloon animals. Ten base vendors and two from the local community supported the event by setting up booths inside the AFRC, giving out candy and information about their services. Some of the booth operators came in costume. More than 80 people entered the costume contest. The winners received gift cards for stores in the local area.