Zombies, splashes of color and mounds of mud are some of the stars in new wave of themed running events that have brought many novices into the world of sweat

At the Color Run, participants are turned into works of art. In the Run For Your Lives, men and women conquer obstacles and run from zombies. In the Warrior Dash and Muddy Buddy series, contestants come out caked in mud. All are different, yet all are among the new wave in fitness events that are drawing hundreds of thousands of non-runners to participate in events that are as much social as they are physical. My story on the trend for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9866551/endurance-sports-non-traditional-running-series-taking-united-states