Three activations for sporting events guaranteed to raise heart rates

Head-to-head racing challenges

Have two friends face-off against one another in a head-to-head racing game. This activation features a physical challenge of speed, power, or agility. For example, you can compete on two stationary bikes. The fastest rider covering the greatest distance, or burning the most calories, wins. This can be done with bikes, rowers, skiers, and other equipment that can send an electronic signal. A screen overhead displays the progress.

If physical exertion isn't in the cards, you can use button presses or paddles to hit a speed target. The person who can press the button fastest wins.

You can map the competition to any number of sports, including horse races, boat races, bike races, you name it.

To add a twist to the idea, you can implement a tug-of-war mechanic. Instead of a traditional race, competitors battle to see who can “pull” the other across a line.

Read more in these dedicated blog posts:

• 🏆 "Reach-a-goal cycling challenge"
• 🚴🏻‍♂️ "Pedal powered tug-of-war race"
• 🏁 "Head-to-head race to the finish"

Target or skill game

Test attendees accuracy with a skill-based target game. Using a simple hardware light sensor you can challenge participants to a number of different games depending on the event:

• Score a goal or throw the ball through a narrow gap. Perfect for football or rugby events.
• Sink a three-pointer for a basketball event.
• Get a hole-in-one on the putting green. Add some crazy golf for added fun.

Pair these physical challenges with a big on-screen game activation that reacts to successful attempts. Then use a leaderboard to track the participants with the best score.

This is guaranteed to be a winner with competitive crowds.

Fitness challenge

Get attendees to test themselves against the elite by performing a fitness challenge. This can be from a number of different activities:

• Run 100m quicker than Usain Bolt
• Climb a famous Tour de France hill for 1 minute.
• Keep up with Kipchoge's marathon pace for 30 seconds.

or just keep things simple:

• Do 50 jumping jacks in a minute.
• Plank for 2 minutes.
• Complete a 2 minute round on the boxing bag.

Whatever the challenge is, you can use an app with a bit of magic technology to automatically measure their progress: time their run, count each of their punches or jumping jacks and encourage them on as they progress. Furthermore you can add video and visuals of the challenge or locationto put players into the experience, for example the French countryside for a cycling challenge or a football pitch.

You can also add a number of twists on this to make it more interactive:

• Record their round on video for players to share with friends.
• Add a leaderboard for the entirety of the event.
• Make the activation 2-player to encourage friendly competition.

There are endless opportunities here to get people moving.