Three-legged Race

Overview

The traditional three-legged race is tried and true fun for all. Tie yourself to a friend and off you go! It's silly, challenging, and sure to get everyone laughing!

Age

School-age, Tweens, Teens

Number of Players

2, 3 to 4, 5 to 10, 10 to 20, 20+, As many as you can handle!

Team Division

Buddy up (pairs of two)

Competitiveness

Either/or (can be played either way)

Difficulty

Attention, please! (a few rules to follow)

Indoor or Outdoor

Outdoors

Space Needed

Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)

Noise Level

Rowdy

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

5 minutes or less

Game Time Length

5 - 15 minutes

Supplies

Bandanas, rope, heavy duty hair scrunchie: 1 per pair (anything to tie two legs together)

Setup

1. Pair up all the racers and have them stand shoulder to shoulder.
2. Tie the inner two legs of each pair together at the ankle.
3. Mark the starting line and the goal line.
4. Have all the pairs line up behind the starting line.

How to Play

1. On "Go" the pairs race as quickly as possible to the goal line and back to the start line.
3. The Pair or team that finishes first wins the race!

Variations

1. To make the race a bit more challenging, set up a simple obstacle course..add cones, hula-hoops, and pool noodles for pairs to navigate around.
2. You can play this in teams where you have multiple pairs forming one team competing against other teams of pairs in relay race style. This is great for large groups in a small space.

Tips

1. Give the pairs a few minutes to practice walking, jumping, and running with their partner.
2. Partners need to work as a team, so encourage communication between partners.
3. Partners need to move at the same time and at the same speed. Adults may have to aid younger children in understanding the nature of walking with another person.