Team Time Trial: Third Runner Stops the Clock
Modeled on the team time trial in cycling, each group of four runs 900 m and the team time is taken when the third member crosses the finish. It builds steady pacing, mutual support, and group decision-making about effort.
How to play
- Form 6 teams of 4 (or one of 5) in matching pinnies and mark a 300 m loop with cones. The race is 3 laps (2 min).
- Explain the key rule: the team clock stops when the third runner crosses the line, so no one wins by running off alone. Each team takes 2 min to decide who sets the pace and how they will take turns up front.
- Teams start 30 seconds apart. The teacher calls out times and a resting team helps with timing; if one team catches another, it passes on the outside.
- First time trial (about 5 min). Afterward, each team records its time and the lap where someone fell off the group.
- Three-minute team huddle: teams adjust their plan (steadier pace, a different leader, encouraging the slowest runner) and share it with the teacher.
- Second time trial in reverse starting order (about 5 min). Points go to the biggest improvement and to the smallest gap between lap one and lap three.
Rules
- Teams run together: pushing or pulling a teammate's clothing is not allowed.
- Always pass another team on the outside without cutting in.
- If someone feels unwell, the team stops with them and gets the teacher.
Variations
Easier
Run 2 laps of 300 m and stop the clock on the second runner.
Standard
Run 3 laps of 300 m with the time taken on the team's third runner.
Harder
Run 5 laps and stop the clock only when the last team member finishes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can join a team and set the pace, with the team's distance adjusted.
- Shy students: assign specific jobs (pacer, clock watcher, encourager) so everyone takes part without having to lead.
- Mixed fitness levels: balance teams so each one includes students of different abilities.
Learning goals
- Adjust personal pace to the group to hold a steady speed.
- Cooperate in planning the team's race strategy.
- Value shared effort over individual results.
Equipment for a class of 25
- pinnies: 25
- cones: 10
- stopwatches: 2
Teacher tip
Teams usually start too fast and lose runners on lap two, so ask them what pace all four can actually hold.
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