RACING
OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVE
The objective of racing is to make it across the designated distance in the fastest time.
TRACK
200m or 400m with a range of event distances.
EQUIPMENT
OFFICIAL
Equipment
Track/field
Buzzer to signal start sound
Flag to signal start/finish lines
ALTERNATIVE
Equipment
Racing chairs/wheelchairs (if needed) or other mobility device
SPACE Adaptations
Flags or markers placed to assist with navigation.
Use clear markings, cones, ropes, symbols, and floor lanes to support orientation and focus.
Allow shorter distances.
Reduce crowding by staggering start times.
Increase space of movement for skills (to support mobility aids).
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
TASK Adaptations
Run, walk or wheel at a comfortable pace.
Shorter distances, or when longer distances, create opportunities for rest breaks.
Use alternative movements and allow mobility devices to support success.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
EQUIPMENT Adaptations
Allow mobility/assistive devices to support movement/forward momentum.
Provide starting blocks or grips for better balance.
Bell or beeping targets for visual disabilities.
Flags for visual aids to support starts and communication.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
PEOPLE Adaptations
Pair students with buddies for guidance or motivation.
Use peer helpers to model movements and provide support.
Adapt the approaches for starters and officials to support participant success.
Provide positive encouragement to foster student success (cheering, ribbons, celebration, music).
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
RUN
Keep your head up and eyes looking forward.
Lift your knees to create power.
Pump your arms at 90 degrees – opposite arm to opposite leg.
Elbows to hips, thumbs to lips.
Land softly on the balls of your feet, not your heels.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © François Lacasse
WALK
Keep your head up and look forward.
Step forward, land with your heel first, then roll onto your toes and repeat on the other foot.
Arms swing opposite to your legs.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
WHEEL
Grip the push rims and apply even pressure to move forward, reaching back and pushing forward.
Lean slightly forward for power.
Using hands, grip rims to stop.
Short, explosive pushes to gain speed.
To turn, push more on one side than the other, pulling back on one push rim while pushing forward on the other (push right side to turn left).
Strong, quick hand contact on the push rims.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
ACTIVITIES & SKILL DEVELOPMENT
WARM-UP MOVE AND GROOVE
RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT
WALK, JOG, ROLL INTERVALS
POSTURE AND FORM DRILLS
WARM-UP MOVE AND GROOVE
Easy walk or march or roll around the track.
Add arm swings, high knees, butt kicks, skipping, or side steps.
Use music to create rhythm and fun energy.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © Patrick Beauchemin
RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT
Use "green" to run/jog/push.
Use "yellow" to slow walk/roll.
Use "red" to stop.
Great for practicing changes of speed and control.
WALK, JOG, ROLL INTERVALS
Students walk/roll slowly on the curves and jog/ push harder on the straightaways.
Let students choose to walk, jog, roll, or repeat, based on comfort level.
Emphasize pacing and introduce longer distances safely.
Photo courtesy of Défi Sportif Altergo © François Lacasse
POSTURE AND FORM DRILLS
Tall like a giraffe: practice standing tall while moving.
Elbow to hip, thumb towards lip: teach arm swing.
Quick feet on the spot: practice light, fast steps, in place (for wheeling quick push forwards and back).
ADDITIONAL LEARNING
REFERENCES
Run, Jump, Throw, Wheel Teachers Resource. Athletics Canada. 2006
Teachers Guide. BC Wheelchair Basketball & Let’s Play
Fundamental Movement Skills Cue Cards. School Physical Activity and Physical Literacy Project. 2025
Inclusion of Students of All Abilities in School-Based Physical Activity Experiences. PHE Canada. 2023. Retrieved May 15, 2025. School-Based Physical Activity Experiences for Students of All Abilities | PHE Canada.
