In the age of “The Walking Dead” craze, the Scenic Regional Library is finding new and creative ways to engage the community.For a second straight year, the Warrenton branch of the library will team up with a pair of local businesses to host the Zombie Self-Defense event.The obstacle course run will take place Tuesday, July 18, at the K4 Performance center at the former outlet mall in the space that was Liz Claiborne.“Last summer we did this and it was a great success,” said Justin Fears, owner of the Phobius Haunt in Wright City. “We had a good turnout and people really enjoyed doing it.”This year there will be two sessions, from 5 to 6 p.m. and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each session is limited to 50 persons, with one session allowed per person.Fears, who teams up Jeremiah Koch from K4 Fitness, provides the zombie characters and costumes for the occasion. While most of these events are 5k races, this event combines running with agility, strength and technique. Participants will compete in an obstacle course while being chased by zombies.“It really allows both (Phobius) and K4 to exhibit what we have to offer while giving back to the community,” said Fears, who donates his time and resources to the event along with Koch.“We try to work closely with any businesses or organizations in community that want to cross promote. It’s a great community involvement event.”Phobius has teamed with the schools to host anti-bullying seminars and similar events. He says the businesses have also been trying to work more in conjunction with the library.The Zombie Self-Defense event is free to the public and is suggested for ages 13 and up. Those interested are encouraged to call the library to register at 636-456-3321.

Record photo from 2016.