You can run, but you can’t hide. You can also walk, but it’s doubtful you’ll want to do that.

The first Zombie Run Virginia is coming to Suffolk on Oct. 27. The 5K race will encourage participants to dress in costume and run from the unleashed undead through the woods at Lone Star Lakes Park.

Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, according to the website.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Bevon Moore, who is organizing the run. “We really want it to be a family-oriented event.”

Sponsors include Pepsi, Global Real Estate Investments, The Vitamin Shoppe, OneLife Fitness, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Games N Trade, according to Moore.

Volunteer zombies will chase participants, and runners themselves also are welcome to dress as zombies, Moore said. However, zombies are not permitted to touch runners — just encourage them to hit the finish line faster.

“We don’t want people to be running over each other,” Moore said. “We really want it to be a family-oriented event.”

To that end, spectators are encouraged, and vendors are being asked to bring candy so little ones can trick-or-treat at the event, Moore said.

Though this is the first race Moore has ever organized, he says this 5K will be a “dry run” for future years.

“This is not just a one-shot deal,” he said. “We want to do it yearly and make it bigger.”

Moore also anticipates good publicity and tourism for Suffolk.

“It brings a lot of tourists because it stands out,” he said.

The race will begin at 3 p.m. Registration is $35 before Oct. 20 or $45 Oct. 21-27. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers, as well as for the costume contest. Door prizes include gym memberships and more.

For more information or to register, visit www.zombierunva.com.