What is the 'run it straight' sport and why is it controversial?

'Run it straight' is a sport where two individuals sprint at each other for a high-impact collision. It is controversial due to the significant risk of severe injury and a fatal incident involving a teenager in May 2025.

What happened after the teenager's death from 'run it straight'?

Following the death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite, the sport faced intense scrutiny, leading to schools banning it and councils restricting events in Australia and New Zealand.

How do organizers defend the commercialized version of 'run it straight'?

Organizers argue that professional events have strict rules, athlete vetting, and medical oversight, differentiating them from dangerous, unregulated backyard games, and that participants are trained professionals.

Home / Sports / Viral Collision Sport Revived Despite Fatal Teen Death

Viral Collision Sport Revived Despite Fatal Teen Death

8 Feb

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Summary

A teen died from a head injury playing 'run it straight' in 2025.
The sport involves two individuals sprinting into each other.
A new league commercialized the dangerous trend despite outrage.

Viral Collision Sport Revived Despite Fatal Teen Death

A controversial collision sport, known as 'run it straight,' has been revived as a commercial league, igniting widespread outrage and calls for its immediate shutdown. The sport involves participants sprinting directly at each other for a high-impact collision.

This revival follows the tragic death of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite in May 2025, who sustained a fatal head injury during an informal game. The incident led to significant scrutiny and bans in Australia and New Zealand.

Despite these events, the Run Nation Championship launched in Sydney, drawing a large crowd and featuring prize money and medical teams. Organizers claim professional events differ from unregulated games, citing rules and athlete vetting. However, health experts warn of severe risks, including concussions and long-term brain damage.