It was a peculiar sight at Grand River Raceway on Saturday morning, as 132 three-pitch players — many dressed as the undead — overtook the track’s infield in the inaugural Zombie-Pitch Tournament.
The co-ed recreational event featured 11 teams. Scared Hitless were the victors, holding off the White Eagle Spawn in the final battle. The team received $600 in prizes, including $300 in cash and a team party for dinner and races in the Captain’s Quarters tiered dining room at Grand River Raceway during the 2016 race season.
The Meat Puppets and The Zigs finished third and fourth, respectively. The top three teams received trophies of a severed arm and zombie hand clutching a ball. The custom-made trophies were created by former Grand River Raceway employee, and Elora, Ont. native, Emily Skoggard — a prosthetics and special effects make-up artist in the film and television industry.
All players dressed as zombies won prizes and player Robin Larkin of the team You've Alerted the Horde won the $50 grand prize for the most gruesome garb.
(Grand River Raceway)