All Activities
Physical Education

Simple Relay Race

Overview

Teams take turns running to a point and back, passing an object to the next runner.

Learning Objective
Children develop running technique and learn to work as a team.

Resources needed

  • Open outdoor space
  • Marker (stone, stick, or cone)
  • Passing object (stick or stone)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Divide into teams of 4–6.
  2. 2 Mark a start line and a turning point.
  3. 3 First runner runs to the marker and back.
  4. 4 Pass the object to the next runner.
  5. 5 Continue until all team members have run.
  6. 6 First team to finish wins.
  7. 7 Discuss: what helps a team run faster?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Hop or skip instead of run.
  • Carry an object without dropping it.
  • Run backwards on the return leg.
More information

Teach: run, pass, wait, next, ready, go. Demonstrate the pass clearly — this is where time is lost.

Shorter distances for younger children. Walk instead of run for children who need it.

Do children pass smoothly without stopping? Are they running with good posture and arm drive?

Use stones or sticks as markers and passing objects. No cones or batons needed.

Children often stop completely to pass the object. Practise the moving pass separately before the race.

Relay racing builds teamwork, turn-taking, and running technique in an exciting context.

Activity details
Primary Easy 20 minutes 5 minutes prep Small Group, Whole Class Outdoor
Topics
Running Teamwork Speed