The ‘Run It Straight’ challenge is a trending social media game that recently led to the death of New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite, find out more about the challenge below
The rugby-style challenge has gone viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and involves high-impact collisions without any protective gear.
What is the ‘Run It Straight’ rugby style inspired TikTok tackle challenge, rules and meaning explained
A teenager has died in New Zealand after taking part in a rugby-inspired social media craze that sees participants sprint and crash into each other, police said Tuesday.
The “run-it-straight challenge” has gone viral on social media across New Zealand and Australia, attracting… pic.twitter.com/WThjaXOYkc
— Malay Mail (@malaymail) May 27, 2025
NEW: New Zealand teen passes away after playing the viral "run it straight" game, where two opponents run full speed at each other.
Insanely stupid trend.
The game, which is similar to the 'Oklahoma Drill' in football, has one ball carrier and one defender.
The goal of the… pic.twitter.com/TvXgrYt5mF
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 28, 2025
While the challenge gained traction online, the death of the young New Zealander has raised urgent concerns about the risks that come with viral internet challenges.
‘Run It Straight’ challenge leads to the death of New Zealand teenager
Ryan Satterthwaite was a 19-year-old New Zealander who recently died from severe head injuries after participating in a viral and dangerous internet challenge – ‘Run It Straight’ with friends. According to Manawatū Police Inspector Ross Grantham, the young teenager’s death highlights the serious dangers that comes with social media trends. The incident has unsurprisingly sparked all kinds of national debate regarding social media’s role in spreading such unsafe behavior.
‘Run It Straight’ origins and format
The ‘Run It Straight’ challenge started out as a casual contact game in rugby circles across Australia and New Zealand. The challenge involves a straightforward and brutal format where two players charge at full speed toward each other. Both participants stand at opposite ends of a narrow 20-meter-long field and one acts as the runner, while the other acts as the tackler.
The main aim of the challenge is to knock down their opponent, and participants do not wear any protective gear, nor carry it out in the presence of referees and medical supervision. The challenge mimics a rugby tackle, and although it has long existed in informal settings, it only recently went viral on social media. Videos of the collisions have since racked up over millions of views online.
🇳🇿 New Zealand teen passes away after playing the viral "run it straight" game, where two opponents run full speed at each other.
19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite passed away in the hospital due to a "serious head injury" while playing the game. pic.twitter.com/2kt9NePXnR
— HadashotIsrael (@HadashotIsrael) May 29, 2025
‘Run It Straight’ championship
Just last week, in Auckland, an official ‘Run It Straight’ championship took place with Runit, a promotional group, as the hosts. The challenge drew over 1,000 spectators, with eight men competing for a $20,000 prize. The event was even billed as “the world’s fiercest new collision sport,” where organizers planned a grand finale set to take place at Trusts Arena for a $250,000 prize. However, following several on-site injuries and overwhelming public concern, the arena seemingly pulled out, citing potential safety risks.
‘Run It Straight’ potential injuries
Given below are the potential set of major injuries that come with participating in the challenge, according to experts:
- Brain hemorrhages: Impact can rupture blood vessels, causing pressure build-up inside the skull.
- Cerebral edema: Swelling in the brain can block oxygen flow, causing permanent damage.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): Violent motion can stretch or tear brain fibers, potentially leading to coma or cognitive impairment.
- Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): A second hit before full recovery from a concussion can cause rapid, fatal brain swelling.
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