Sack race

The sack race or gunny sack race is a competitive game in which participants place both of their legs inside a sack or pillow case that reaches their waist or neck and hop forward from a starting point toward a finish line. The first person to cross the finish line is the winner of the race.

A group of children in Fallujah, Iraq participating in a sack race

Possible rule changes that people make to the traditional game include using extra large sacks and running inside the bag; however, in some cases such activity may be viewed as cheating.

Sack racing is traditionally seen as an activity for children, but people of any age can compete. In schools, the sack race often takes place on a Sports Day, alongside numerous other events such as the egg and spoon race. It is also a frequent pastime at fairs, birthday parties, and picnics.

Records

Stephen Wildish with the 100m Sack Race world record certificate issued by Guinness World Records

The fastest 100 metres sack race is 26.22 seconds[1] and was achieved by Stephen Wildish (UK) in Swindon, UK, on 27 October 2017. Stephen also holds the world record for the 200 metres sack race, he completed the distance in a time of 64.19 seconds[2] on 17 August 2018. Stephen describes himself as the Usain Bolt of the sack race.[3]

1. "Fastest 100 metres sack race". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
2. "Fastest 200 metres sack race". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 2019-06-11.
3. "Another world record in the sack for Stephen". Swindon Advertiser. Retrieved 2019-06-11.