Create and Race

Name and Purpose

Create and Race combines imaginative building with an active relay to keep the whole group moving and thinking.
Players practise creativity, communication, and physical teamwork in the same round.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players (even numbers ideal) | 20-35 minutes | Large open space; gym or field with room for two team areas and a judging table

Materials

2 matching sets of random objects (cones, balls, ropes, hats, scarves, pool noodles, etc.)
1 large pile of small tokens per team (flags, pennies, or beanbags)
1 neutral judge (adult or senior staff)
Optional: simple scoring card for the judge

Quick-Run Card

Split into 2 teams; each team splits into Builders and Runners.
Builders create something imaginative from their object set and present it to the judge.
Judge awards 1-3 points; Builders report the score to the Runners.
Runners do a relay to the token pile, one token per trip, for the number of points earned.
Builders reset their objects and begin a new creation. Teams swap roles after the token pile is gone.

Setup and Boundaries

How to Play

Divide into 2 teams of equal size. Within each team, split into Builders and Runners (roughly half and half).
Builders take their object set and create something new and imaginative. For example: a cone flipped upside-down with a ball on top becomes an ice cream cone. The more creative and complex, the better.
When ready, one Builder (or the group) presents their creation to the judge and explains it.
The judge awards 1-3 points: 1 for a simple idea, 2 for a clear explanation, 3 for complexity or surprising creativity.
Builders return to their team area, report the score, and Runners begin their relay: one trip to the token pile per point earned (e.g., 3 points = 3 trips).
Builders immediately begin a new creation with reshuffled objects while Runners are active.
Other Builders on the same team may also be presenting simultaneously for their own scored creations.
The round ends when the token pile is empty. Each team counts their tokens.
Teams swap Builders and Runners and play again.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Run the relay; compete to retrieve tokens quickly
S (Support): Help the Builder group brainstorm and build; coach the Runners on relay timing
Q (Quiet): Focus on the creative building side; present to the judge calmly
O (Observer): Watch a full round before joining; take on the judge-assistant role

Inclusion Adaptations

Runners may walk the relay path rather than run
Builders who prefer a quieter role can sketch or gesture their creation idea rather than presenting verbally

Stewardship Moment

After each round, return all objects to the shared pile; nothing is discarded
Reflection: “Everything you used was already here. What does that say about creativity and what we already have?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game has two types of participation: building and creating, or running a relay. You will get to try both. If you have a strong preference for one role, let your team know.”
For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
Mid-game check: After the swap, check in. “How did it feel switching roles? Thumbs up, sideways, or down.”
Opt-out/re-entry: Players may step back from the relay or the building group at any time; a rest counts as Observer and they rejoin at the next round.

Risks and Mitigation

Collision during relay: designate a clear relay lane; one runner at a time on the path
Judging disputes: judge’s decision is final; frame it as part of the fun, not a formal score
One team falling far behind: staff may pause and redistribute objects or tokens to keep energy high

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Object Story”: pass one random object around the circle; each person says what it could be in 5 seconds
Short relay sprint so everyone knows the path before the round begins

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the most creative thing your team built?”
So What? “What was harder: coming up with the idea or explaining it? Why?”
Now What? “Where in your life do you use creativity AND speed at the same time?”

Cleanup and Reset