The Magic of the Untimed Fun Run
May 18, 2025
The Magic of the Untimed Fun Run
Over the Boston Marathon Weekend, Running Peas visited Suffolk Downs in East Boston to participate in the annual Daffodil Dash hosted by the Revere Recreation Department. What an event it was!
The race took place on a dirt track that is now appropriately being used by the community instead of a race venue for animals. The route was lined with daffodils, and the finish line was adorned with a rainbow of balloons. The atmosphere was filled with upbeat music, food trucks, face painting, and, best of all, the entire event was 100% FREE for participants!
The Daffodil Dash aims to engage kids in healthy activities getting them outside and moving on the weekends. Watching my two children participate in the untimed 50m dash alongside kids from Revere and surrounding communities was an absolute delight! The energy in the air was contagious as every child was excited to run and do their best. It made me wonder: Are untimed fun runs the best kind of event for young, developing runners and athletes? Let’s explore the benefits, alternatives, and some science behind it all!
Benefits of the Untimed Run
Physiological Benefits:
Without the pressure of a timed race, kids can run at their own pace and enjoy the experience. This promotes physical fitness, improves endurance, strength, and coordination. Untimed runs allow kids to work on running techniques, pacing, and stamina in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Often kids will run faster or try harder without the pressure of expectation. Physical literacy refers to the development of fundamental movement skills and confidence. Untimed runs give kids the opportunity to develop physical literacy through running technique, pacing, and stamina in a supportive setting. Physical literacy is linked to greater lifelong participation in physical activity (Canadian Sport for Life framework).
Emotional Benefits
By focusing on fun rather than performance, kids are less likely to experience anxiety about winning or meeting a specific time. This encourages a growth mindset: "I had fun trying" instead of "I wasn't fast enough." This attitude motivates kids to run for life, not just for achievement. Self-Determination Theory in psychology suggests that intrinsic motivation—doing something for the pure enjoyment of it—leads to better long-term engagement. Untimed fun runs foster intrinsic motivation by removing the pressure of competition, encouraging kids to participate for enjoyment rather than to win. Research supports that intrinsic motivation has positive associations with physical activity in children and adolescents and is also a major driver for elite athletes later in their careers.
Inclusivity
An untimed 50m dash is a wonderful way to introduce new runners to athletics in a relaxed setting. It ensures all participants, regardless of their speed, can join in, promoting inclusivity and a sense of community. Social support is also a key predictor of physical activity in children. Ecological models of health behavior highlight the importance of social and environmental influences on activity levels; having the support of friends, parents, and teachers are all positive predictors of child's engagement in physical activity.
It's FUN, need we say more?!
According to the fun integration theory, kids say "fun" is the primary reason for participating in organized sports and its absence as the main reason for quitting youth sports. This speaks to the importance of making sports enjoyable while kids are still developing their relationship with sports and physical activity.
But… The Untimed Race May Not Always Be Enough
Lack of Motivation for Some: While many kids thrive in an untimed setting, some are more motivated by competition and enjoy striving to beat their personal best.
Doesn’t Teach Pacing or Goal-Setting: Timed races are valuable because they teach kids how to pace themselves, manage nerves, and improve over time. These are essential skills for developing long-term athleticism.
No Benchmark for Improvement: Without time or placement as a benchmark, it can be more challenging to track progress.
What to do?
Ultimately, an untimed fun run is a fantastic way to let kids participate without the pressure of winning or achieving a specific time. It gives them the freedom to run at their own pace, and what could be better than that? If your kids regularly compete in timed races, it may be beneficial to have them participate in untimed races as well! Check out races in your state by visiting Healthy Kids Race Series.
My own love for running and physical activity grew in much the same way—through low-pressure, kid-centered activities. And I still love it today! A huge thank you to the Daffodil Dash and the Revere Recreation Department for reminding us of the simple joy of racing without expectation. It’s about trying your hardest for as long as you can—just because it’s FUN!
Happy Running,
– Joanie
Proud Mom and Founder of Running Peas