FINALLY! We know you have been thinking about this for years and today is your luck day. Here are the rankings for what regions and the athletes in them are best suited to survive a zombiepocalypse! Before we delve into the rankings we first have to agree on some common definitions and metrics for ranking these regions.
First things first, without giving away any spoilers, The Walking Dead has helped illuminate some of the origins of being a zombie. It is safe to assume the zombies would be able to walk at a fast pace and have an insatiable hunger for people. They would be brain dead so it isn't really that hard to out smart them or out run them but there are a whole bunch of them.
Now that we know what a zombie is let's discuss surviving them. Speaking purely about getting away and surviving this zombiepocalypse you need to look at population density, natural barriers, infrastructure, and of course how good of a runner, jumper, or hurdler are you.
When it comes to zombies you definitely need to have some quick reflexes and sprinting abilities but also endurance. Taking the solid edge in the speed category is the Eastern Region who historically and currently has the deepest sprinting and hurdling base.
It isn't all about the short bursts though! The Northern Region definitely takes the lead when it comes to out-lasting anyone else in the state. They have some ridiculously deep XC teams and can literally run all day.
Jumping wise Central Virginia historically has been home to some of the best triple jumpers, which is very important, and leaps into the lead in that category.
All of those three regions have their specialties but they also have huge downsides too considering the largest population centers in the state are Fairfax County, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Richmond. We are not zombiepocalypse experts but we would suggest staying away from those areas.
That means the ones with the best geographical advantage are definitely SouthWest and the NorthWest regions. They do have some very limiting barriers as well that could be huge deterrents come winter time so though they take the lean here, they do have somethings to worry about.
Based on all of this we would have to conclude that the region and athletes best suited to survive a zombiepocalypse have to be in the NorthWest region including western-Loudoun and Fauquier county. Though Drew Hunter can run all day, we are still not sure if he is a hurdler. That being said, the ideal candidate to survive a zombiepocalypse would likely be a 400m hurdler or an 800m runner. They have the ability to run fast, with some endurance, and can jump. Let's also not forget that you really have to be able to fall and get right back up, that is something hurdlers have mastered.
The worst region to live in or survive in during a zombiepocalypse would have to be the Eastern region. This area is extremely dense and very isolated. Though everyone is super fast down here and seemingly born to hurdle, all that won't do much good when you have to take a tunnel to escape! We all know traffic can be a nightmare trying to get through the tunnels to meets, imagine that in a zombiepocalypse! That is the definition of nightmares.
The real question is when will we get some solid research on this subject. Ever since the walking dead came out this question has been tossed around many times. Who stands the best chance? Is it the sprinter or distance runner or someone else? We all know that track athletes are going to last the longest and be around for a while!
Just remember everyone: make sure your shoes are tied, don't get lost on the trails, and of course always have a running partner.
Happy Halloween Everyone!
