Peninsula College went public with its second annual Pirate Zombie Mud Run and the result was a day of screams – and smiles, as 220 entrants from age four to 65 tried to outrun zombies and navigate 15 obstacles over a 2.3-mile course on the Port Angeles campus.

The main event was a 65-foot water slide constructed at the campus entry that carried participants toward the finish line at the arches.

“We’ve been looking for a fun family event that would bring the community to this beautiful campus and our Race Director Jeremiah Johnson and his team hit the nail on the head, almost literally,” Rick Ross, Associate Dean For Athletics and Student Life, said.

“Pat Nickerson’s Green Construction students helped us build the obstacles – and they really outdid themselves. The slide and the tire wall were very impressive and really raised the bar on this event.”

Jonathan Feist, 31, recorded the fastest time in the 2.3-mile adult race, crossing the finish line in 22 minutes and 47 seconds. Miika Smith, 16, was second in 27:39 and Connor Leslie, 18, third in 28:14.

Hannah Tantarima, 23, won the women’s race in 27:41, followed by Kai Mahuka, 18, in 30:33 and Brenda Torres, 20, in 30:35.

In the 1.7-mile Youth & Family Race, 14-year-old Andrew George took first in the boys’ race in 21:36, Kenny Soule was second in 21:38 and Blake Williams third in 23:12.

Leading the girls was Delaney Wenzel in 21:47, followed by Ivy Barrett in 24:35 and Hope Glasser in 26:46.

Matt Aston and Justice Nicole Martin won Best Zombie Awards.

The College’s Associated Student Council first rolled out the Pirate Zombie Mud Run in May of 2014, but it was a “test run” and the participants were mostly students.

This year Johnson and his Zombie Mud Run staff marketed the event to the community – and children and adults of all ages not only participated, but seemed to have a great time.

“There’s just nothing like this on the Peninsula and I’m thrilled that we can offer this event. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our community and to promote the virtues of family and fitness,” Ross said. “Facebook really blew up with photos and videos. This is the largest recreation activity we’ve held here in my 20 years at Peninsula and I fully expect it to continue to grow.”Johnson’s race team included several instructional divisions on campus.

“This year’s Pirate Zombie Mud Run wouldn’t have been a success without the help of the woodworking and welding programs at Peninsula College,” Johnson said.

“The work they put into their amazing obstacles really made the course challenging and fun. The event also wouldn’t have happened without the help and support from the faculty and staff at Peninsula College and all the volunteers. A big thank you goes out to them. This year was by all measures a success, and more importantly it was a blast. Be ready for next year … it’s going to be even better.”

The proceeds of the 220 registration fees will pay for the obstacles and for scholarships.