Lancaster County’s haunted theme park turns its grounds into a 5K obstacle course, with every registered runner helping fund support for families facing breast cancer
LANCASTER, PA / ACCESS Newswire / November 2, 2026 / Most 5Ks end with a medal and a banana. The Zombie Fun Run at Field of Screams ends with mud on your shoes, fire behind you and, if you were slow on the last stretch, a zombie still on your heels. It is also one of the more effective fundraisers in Lancaster County.
The haunted theme park will host its 14th annual run on Saturday, Nov. 14, on its grounds at 191 College Avenue in Mountville. The event benefits the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, and pre-registration closes Sunday, Nov. 8, although walk-ons are still accepted on race day. Registration and event details are at thezombiefunrun.com.
Why October matters
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the timing gives runners a reason to sign up now rather than wait. According to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, 38 women in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. The coalition uses proceeds from the run for breast cancer research grants, personalized patient advocacy and its free Friends Like Me care package program, which serves newly diagnosed patients and people facing stage IV metastatic breast cancer.
What runners sign up for
The course runs through the same property that draws haunt fans from across the Mid-Atlantic every fall. Runners jump through fire, crawl through scenes, and climb over obstacles while volunteers dressed as zombies give chase, all through professionally lit, movie-quality scenes. Participants can run the course during the day or take it on after dark for a more intense version, and those who would rather do the chasing can sign up as zombies.
The format has a track record. Last year’s run, held Nov. 15, 2025, drew hundreds of runners and raised $8,400 for the coalition. Field of Screams has contributed more than $80,000 to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition through the event over the years.
“Seeing our community come together, covered in mud, dodging zombies, and fighting for a cause that touches so many families, is what makes this event so powerful,” co-owner Jim Schopf said after last year’s run.
A full weekend at the park
The run lands the day after Extreme Blackout Nights on Friday, Nov. 13, giving visitors a reason to make a weekend of it. Field of Screams has operated in Lancaster County since 1993 and was certified a 2026 Top Haunt in the Platinum Iconic category by the Haunted Attraction Association, one of 74 attractions in 27 states to earn the designation this year.
Runners who want a spot and a guarantee of a race medal and t-shirt should register before pre-registration closes on Sunday, Nov. 8, at thezombiefunrun.com.
Jim Schopf, Co-Founder and Co-Owner
Field of Screams
jim@fieldofscreams.com
SOURCE: Field of Screams
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
