About Potato Sack Races
Potato sack races are an exciting game typically played at picnics or kids' parties. Just as the name indicates, the players place their legs into the potato sack and hope from a starting line to the finish line. If potato sacks aren't available, many participants hop inside big pillowcases. Whoever reaches the finish line first is the winner of the race.
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History
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Potato sack races are considered a sport and were an actual Olympic sport in 1904. Obviously, sack races aren't part of the Olympic now but in the past, these races were considered quite serious. For example, in the late nineteenth century, potato sack races were a common athletic event on college campuses. College track teams trained intensely for races. The difference between these high intensity college events and children's races seen today is pretty profound. College level potato sack racers in the late 1800s wore the sack tied securely up to their necks.
Most potato sack racers chose to hop their way to the finish line. Some of these great athletes even performed hurdles during their sack races. Potato sack races were a common form of entertainment for English soldiers in the late 1700s. Soldiers formed up races to pass the time while in camp during the Revolutionary War.
Features
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There are so many variations of the game that the rules and methods are frequently tailored to the age of the participant. Young children can play the game with both feet in the potato sack. They can also pair up with another child by placing one foot each inside the potato sack. After the start of the race, the participants have to figure out how to move together. Many potato sack racers choose to hop their way through the race, although some tuck their feet into the corners of the sack or pillowcase and attempt to walk or run their way to the finish line.
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Size
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Race distances range from 50 to 150 yards, although the course length can be tailored to the participant's ability. \Most races are run on soft surfaces, such as grass, because participants frequently fall or roll when they trip over the bag or their own feet.
Considerations
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Potato sacks are rather hard to find. As stated above, pillowcases can be used. If you're not inclined to have your pillowcases ruined, there are also a number of sites on the Internet that sell complete potato sack race sets. Links are shown in the Resources section below.
Warning
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Potato sack races can be dangerous. Tripping is common and frequently, racers will fall or roll. Most skilled racers roll right back up and continue the race. Some schools and communities have prohibited potato sack races from fairs and field days due the chance of injury.
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Resources
- Photo Credit U.S. Government image
