Gold Rush Distance Points Run
Four teams of gold miners keep moving to bring back nuggets (clothespins) from three zones: close zones are worth little and far zones are worth more. Students build aerobic endurance, pacing and team strategy.
How to play
- Put four team hoops in the middle of the field. Use flat disc cones to mark three zones: yellow at 10 yards (1 point), green at 20 yards (2 points) and red at 35 yards (3 points), with 30 clothespins in each (3 min).
- Explain the rule: each runner brings back one clothespin per trip and drops it in the team hoop. Everyone keeps moving for the whole block, even if walking.
- Block 1, 4 minutes: each team decides freely who goes to which zone. Count points at the end.
- Rest 2 minutes: teams discuss which strategy scored most and agree on a new plan. Clothespins go back to their zones.
- Block 2, 4 minutes, with a twist: the red zone is worth double. Block 3, 4 minutes: every runner must visit all three zones at least once.
- Final count and reflection: did the fastest runners win, or those who kept a steady pace for 4 minutes? (3 min).
Rules
- One clothespin per trip, taken from a zone and dropped in your own hoop.
- No taking clothespins from other teams' hoops.
- Walk, jog or run, but do not stop; anyone who needs a break walks.
- Pick up clothespins without diving to the ground.
Variations
Easier
Zones at 8, 15 and 25 yards and 3-minute blocks.
Standard
Zones at 10, 20 and 35 yards, three 4-minute blocks and changing rules.
Harder
5-minute blocks and a fourth zone at 50 yards worth 5 points.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, the student's clothespins from any zone are worth one extra point and a partner may go along.
- Autism: give the plan for all three blocks in writing and give a one-minute warning before each block ends.
- Lower fitness: may always choose the yellow zone, and the team values their consistency.
Learning goals
- Sustain continuous effort for several minutes.
- Choose distances and pace based on personal fitness.
- Design and adjust a team strategy.
Equipment for a class of 25
- clothespins: 90
- hoops: 4
- flat disc cones: 12
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
At first everyone sprints to the red zone and is exhausted after two minutes, which is exactly what to discuss during the break. Keep the clothespins in colored buckets so you can reset quickly.
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