How to Play Three Legged Race

By rpr, on 13-12-2007 18:10

How to Play Three Legged Race

Objective

To be the pair to win the race.

Game Setup

The race is set up on a flat area of ground-often a school sport field as this game is often played by young children at a school sports day.

There is a start line and a finish line and a lane down which people run. The lane may be real and marked out or maybe just be imagined as being directly between the start and finish line as opposed to going diagonally across the field before returning to the finish.

As well as the people racing there is a starter and a person to watch the finish line to see which pair finishes first.

Game Description

As many people as can be reasonably lined up on the starting line may participate in the race. They are paired off, and hence an even number is needed. The pairs of people are tied together at the leg-being bound by something that will not hurt such as a scarf or thick cord.

They are normally tied only at the ankle so that the binding does not prevent all movement, and so that if you fall then you don't fall in a heap on top of each other and so get injured. Once all of the people are tied together they line up on the starting line and wait for the start signal.

The race starter will start the race in an obvious way-often by using a loud noise. This may be by blowing a whistle, firing a starting pistol, or simply by yelling “GO!”. Warning is normally given-for instance; “Ready, set, GO!” (or whistle, or firing the pistol).

The people racing then set off as quickly as they are able. This may involve walking, running, or even hopping if they are unable to better co-ordinate their combined movement, or even a combination of the above.

The people race over a pre-determined distance, trying not to trip and fall as they attempt to go as quickly as possible. The winners are the people who cross the finish line first.

Rules

Only two people are tied together at a time-more increases the difficulty in moving together effectively.
Pairs must remain tied together from the start of the race until they cross the finish line. Removing the binding disqualifies the pair from winning the race.
Pairs must not deliberately try to trip others.
Pushing and shoving is not allowed.

Strategies and Skills

Co-ordinating the walking or running between the pair is essential. Often it is advisable to agree upon a system of timing before you begin to race.

Your system helps you to walk or run in time with each other. At the most basic you might simply call out numbers to each other-on a call of one you move your free leg and on a call of two you move the leg that is tied to the other person.

Last update : 13-12-2007 18:10