How to Play The Sack Race

By rpr, on 13-12-2007 17:55

How to Play The Sack Race

Objective

To be the first person to get from the start line to the finish line whilst still in your sack, and to not fall over if you can help it.

Game Set Up

There is a start line and a finish line that are a pre-agreed distance apart. This game is commonly played at school sports days and consequently is often play on the school sports field where there may be a race track marked out. In this case, the number of players is limited to the number of lanes marked on the running track (though further rounds may be played if there are too many players).

If played elsewhere, a start and a finish are agreed upon and the lanes are simply imagined. As many people as may reasonably line up may play.

Each player stands with their legs (and sometimes their whole body up to the armpit) in a sack or large pillow case. A none playing person starts the race and another watchers the finish line to see who crosses first.

Game Description

A none playing person starts the race after a warning, such as a countdown. The signal to begin the race may be a whistle, a shout, or firing a starting pistol.

Once the race is underway, players must attempt to get from the start line to the finish line as quickly as possible. At the same time they need to try and avoid tripping up because this will greatly slow their race time. The winner is the player who crosses the finish line first.

The sack race is an entertaining and simple game, and whilst it is commonly played by young children at school sports days and parties, it has recently seen an increase in popularity at corporate events. These events may just be for recreation and relaxation away from the hectic corporate lifestyle, or else it may have far greater meaning such as deciding how big a bonus the employee receives for that year.

Rules

Players must remain in their own sack for the duration of the race. Removal of your sack disqualifies you from winning the race.
If you fall and lose your sack you must retrieve it and replace it again before resuming the race.
Only one person may race in each sack.
Deliberate pushing, shoving, or tripping other players is not allowed.

Strategy, Skills and Tactics

Racing players may traverse the race distance by jumping or hopping the entire length, by shuffling, or by pushing their feet as far into the corners of the sack as possible and thereby allowing some semblance of running or walking to be possible.

Holding onto the sack as tightly as possible is advisable as this prevents excess cloth building up beneath your feet and tripping you up. A bad fall may cause you to completely drop your sack, and hence slow you down whilst you get back into your sack. This could cost you the race.

Last update : 13-12-2007 17:55