Men only are allowed to enter as contestants, and each is given a lady’s skirt which he must put on and wear throughout the race. Men are so graceful anyhow!
The Sticks.
Runners are given sawed-off broomsticks which they are to put under their bent knees. They are to keep them there while they race, inch by inch, to the goal and back. The course should be a short one.
The Squatters Race.
Runners bend knees, squat on heels, and with hands on hips, go to the goal and return at a whirlwind pace—maybe! What is more, nothing is said to them about the way they will undoubtedly feel the next morning! One should be merciful and make this course, too, a short one.
Bang!
Each contestant is given five common paper bags. At the signal for starting they are to blow up these bags one by one, exploding each one as it is filled with air. The one who first blows up and explodes all his bags gets a toy balloon.
The Water Bearers.
Each runner is given a glass which is full to the brim of water. All he has to do is to hop on one foot to the goal and return, carrying the water all the way! The prize offered for this race should be a generous one!