[Obstacle Course Relay] Recommended Ideas & Fun Gags to Add to Your Sports Day
The “obstacle relay,” where teammates pass the baton while overcoming various obstacles, is a super fun event that excites people of all ages!
In this article, we introduce ideas for obstacle relays.
Hurdles and net crawls are classics, but this time we’ve also picked out some quirky, laugh-inducing ideas with a twist.
If you’re thinking, “Obstacle relays are a must, but the same old traditional course is boring!” then take a look for inspiration!
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[Obstacle Relay] Recommended Ideas and Fun Gimmicks to Include in a Sports Day (21–30)
Rock-Paper-Scissors Obstacle Relay
This is an obstacle relay where you play rock-paper-scissors against a teacher waiting at checkpoints or turn-back points, and you can’t proceed unless you win.
The rules are simple, but since you can’t move forward on a tie or a loss, the outcome remains uncertain until the end, which adds to the fun.
For adults, you could make the rules tougher—like returning to the start if you lose—to make it even more exciting.
It’s a relay that tests not only speed but also luck, giving even those who aren’t great at sports a chance for a dramatic comeback.
An obstacle relay using a horizontal bar, mats, and a vaulting box
It’s an obstacle relay that goes beyond the familiar PE equipment like horizontal bars, mats, and vaulting boxes.
Aiming for the finish while clearing each task isn’t just a competition—it also works as a review and wrap-up of regular exercise, making it perfect for children’s sports days.
And if space and equipment can be arranged, adults can try it too; you’ll likely end up laughing as your body doesn’t move quite the way you expect.
It’s an obstacle race that guarantees excitement, letting you enjoy the unique fun of basic physical activities.
Cosplay obstacle relay
This is an obstacle relay race done in anime cosplay, which has now become a cultural export Japan is proud of.
Each team chooses a work to cosplay and can, for example, use a themed item instead of a baton, making it a visually fun event depending on the arrangements.
However, because participants must clear obstacles, be careful not to go overboard with intricate details that could restrict movement.
Since both appearance and mobility depend on the choice of work, it’s a competition where the strategy meeting is sure to get lively.
Spoon-and-ball carrying relay
The concentration needed to keep the ball from falling off the spoon is so much fun! Here’s an idea for a “spoon-and-ball relay.” You can enjoy this indoors.
Place a ball on a spoon, go around a cone, and pass it to the next person.
It’s a great way to build concentration while having fun, so it’s also recommended as a sports day event.
Both kids and adults can enjoy it, so why not adapt it as a parent–child activity? You can also switch the ball for different items to make it even more fun.
Be sure to include it in your sports day program!
Ping-Pong Spoon Obstacle Relay
This is a relay that combines a spoon race and an obstacle course, where you run without dropping a ping-pong ball balanced on a spoon.
Even a standalone spoon race is tricky, so adding obstacles like steps or wind makes participants more cautious and guarantees excitement.
Since it’s a rule set where reaching the goal can be difficult on a large field, it’s recommended not only outdoors but also indoors.
Conversely, if you’re confident, you can make the course more challenging and still have fun—it’s a high-difficulty obstacle relay.
1v1 ball carrying
Enjoyable even 1-on-1! Let us introduce an adapted ball-carrying game called “Flag Football.” In this sport, you carry the ball into the opponent’s territory.
The defense stops the advancing offense by pulling the flag attached to the ball carrier or by driving them out of bounds.
A standard game lasts about 20 minutes, but it’s also a good idea to adjust the duration based on the number of players.
The rules are simple, so everyone from kids to adults can enjoy it.
Try adapting it as an event for your sports day, too!
Net crawl-through
Crawling under a net is a classic in obstacle races.
Because it’s a simple trap where you crawl under the net in front of you, it’s a great option for nursery and kindergarten sports days.
You can set it up in many ways—from a more authentic version with the net laid close to the ground to one fixed at a certain height to make crawling easier.
The more you rush, the more the net will snag you, so the key is to stay calm and move forward steadily.
Try adding this event, which can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, to your sports day lineup.
