By Alice Balagia & Libya El-Amin

Have you ever wondered what it would be like living in a post-apocalyptic world with the walking dead appearing around every corner? If so, The Walking Dead Escape is a can’t miss experience.  Comic Con weekend in San Diego saw Petco Park transformed into a zombie obstacle course, where zombie fans could get a taste of the exhilaration and terror that would exist in such a world.

For over a mile and a half, participants ran up and down stairs and ramps, over and around barriers, all the while trying to avoid the touch of zombies. The experience begins with a “government official” explaining the outbreak to citizens (participants) of the society plagued by the zombie outbreak. The mission was to avoid the zombies at all costs and make it to the end without being infected.

Photos by Eric Charbonneau

Every quarter to half mile there would be a stopping point, where you would be met with officials urging you to continue forward or let you know which areas were safe or dangerous, and to get a quick drink of water. The long journey ends with participants being gathered in a tent by the President, who informs you that you have all been infected, and unfortunately need to be terminated for the good of society. The tent then lights up with simulated gunfire, and the experience ends.

Having heard about last year’s Escape and the reward (a certificate) the survivors received, it was a bit disappointing that everyone “died” in the end. However, this makes for a much bleaker world. The operators of the Escape make sure the obstacle course varies ever year and now the final moments are not guaranteed, so you never know how the story will end.

The experience provides a thrill to participants (as well as a good workout), whether you like The Walking Dead tv show or zombies in general. If you’re looking for something fun to do, I recommend you try your luck at avoiding being infected at The Walking Dead Escape at SDCC 2015!