A horde of zombies will run, walk and stumble its way through the streets of downtown Baton Rouge on Friday night, thirsty for the taste of victory.

The third annual Zombie Bash, an undead-themed 5K race, will take costumed participants on a 3.1-mile course loop that begins at the 13th Gate Haunted House and extends to the levees of River Road. Competitors will race to win zombie trophies and gift certificates to local businesses including Le Roche Bleu and Mercer Studio. The race will culminate in an afterparty featuring a mass street dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

The event is a fundraiser for local dance troupe, Of Moving Colors. Garland Wilson, OMC artistic director, said participants of the Michael Jackson-inspired dance mob will span multiple generations.

“We have people from age 5 to 85 doing the Thriller dance,” Wilson said. “It’s fun to come together as a community.”

OMC has held four classes for dancers to master the “Thriller” moves, which will be performed post-race at the finish line. Wilson encouraged Baton Rougeans to come to the event in costume even if they don’t plan on running or dancing.

“There’s a great energy and great costumes — last year, we had zombie Lady Gaga, Rocky and others,” Wilson said.

Food and drink will be available on site from Chelsea’s Café, an event sponsor. Proceeds from the event will go toward funding OMC’s performance series and educational outreach program.

“Come get fit and get zombie,” Wilson laughed.

The race begins at 6:30 p.m. and same-day registration will be available on site with a $25 fee for adults and $20 fee for youth.