Knockout Sprint-O with A, B and C Finals
This knockout sprint format is adapted for school: after short heats, every student moves on to an A, B, or C final based on their result, so nobody is knocked out. Students work on fast map reading, quick decisions, and good sportsmanship.
How to play
- Prep four short sprint courses around campus, with 5 or 6 controls and about 3 minutes each: three for the heats and one for the finals.
- Split the class into four heats of 6 or 7 in colored pinnies; each heat mass-starts on its course while everyone else waits in the start area.
- Time every finisher; after the four heats, about 12 minutes total, rank everyone by time.
- The top 8 times go to the A final, the next 8 to the B final, and the rest to the C final; the finals run back-to-back on the final course.
- Each final mass-starts and takes about 4 minutes; all three take about 13 minutes with changeovers.
- In the final 5 minutes, congratulate each final's winner and go over the fastest routes on the map.
Rules
- Every control is required and in order; skipping one is a disqualification for that heat.
- No pushing or blocking at controls: punch and exit to the side.
- Safety: courses avoid stairs and blind corners, and any out-of-bounds area is marked with cones.
Variations
Easier
Run heats with enlarged maps and 4-control courses with very visible controls.
Standard
Four heats and three finals on 5- or 6-control courses.
Harder
Add an out-of-bounds zone on the final map that forces runners to change their planned route.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student races their own heat and final on an accessible course, timed the same way.
- Autism or shyness: let the student know their heat ahead of time and allow them to start a few seconds after the group.
- Fitness level: the B and C finals guarantee everyone races opponents at a similar level.
Learning goals
- Read the map quickly and pick short routes at high speed.
- Compete while respecting opponents and the rules.
- Recognize personal improvement from heat to final.
Equipment for a class of 25
- maps: 50
- control markers: 22
- stopwatch: 1
- pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
Have each heat's maps ready and folded in piles by color. In mass starts, send the first control of each course in a different direction so everyone does not take off in a pack.
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