sack race

American  

noun

1. a race in which each contestant jumps ahead while their legs are confined together in a sack.

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sack race British  

noun

1. a race in which the competitors' legs and often bodies are enclosed in sacks

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Other Word Forms

• sack racer noun
• sack racing noun

Etymology

Origin of sack race

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Across the country, adults are embracing their youthful side to the extreme, gathering in parks to toss water balloons, play tug of war and hop around in competitive sack races.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You basically had the park to yourself. You could go swimming in the lake. I remember blowing off a few firecrackers over in the woods. We had sack races and egg-throws.”

From Seattle Times

A group of naturalists who formed the Megatherium Club competed in sack races in the Castle’s hallways.

From Washington Post

It’s not worth it, because literature, as Jim Harrison often said, is not a sack race.

From New York Times

But, from a sack race in a pillow case to toilet roll jumping, children and teachers have been adapting sports day traditions to celebrate what would for many be the highlight of the school calendar.

From BBC