Wheelbarrow Race

Overview

As silly and uncomfortable as they are, wheelbarrow races have been around forever. It takes some physical dexterity and also teamwork, but the results are always the same - lots of laughter. It really doesn't matter who wins the race; just being able to finish is an accomplishment.

Age

Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens

Number of Players

2, 5 to 10, 10 to 20

Team Division

Buddy up (pairs of two), Teamwork! (divide into teams)

Competitiveness

Competitive (has winners and losers)

Difficulty

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Indoor or Outdoor

Outdoors

Space Needed

Large (gym, outdoor field, reception hall)

Noise Level

Rowdy

Mess Factor

Clean and tidy

Prep Time

No prep time needed!

Game Time Length

5 - 15 minutes

Setup

1. Pair up the players according to size. Ideally, you would like the partners to be of a similar size.
2. Set a starting line and a finish line.
3. Line up all the "Wheelbarrow" pairs behind the start line. (This can be done in teams or individual pairs).
4. Pairs should line up with one person behind the other. The person in the front "A" will be first on their hands as the "front wheel" and the person in the back "B" will hold up the front person's legs becoming the "driver of the wheelbarrow."

How to Play

1. On "Go", "A"will place their hands on the ground, arms straight, and lift one leg at a time behind them for "B" to grab.
2. Once "B" is holding both of "A's" legs by the ankles they will begin moving as quickly as they can towards the goal line!
3. "A" will step forward one hand at a time while "B" holds tight their their ankles and keeps "A's" body moving ahead.
4. Once the pair gets to the finish line they switch positions.
5. They then race back towards the starting line.
6. The first pair or team to have everyone cross the starting line wins the race!

Tips

1. Make sure to encourage players to practice and take it slowly until they get the hang of walking this way.
2. The Player on their hands should dictate the speed of the movement. Remind P2 to never move faster than P1.

Educational

Teamwork is essential here.