- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 27 May 2025 04:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A 19-year-old New Zealand boy has tragically lost his life after participating in a dangerous social media trend known as the “Run It Straight” challenge, a high-impact collision game that has recently gone viral on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Ryan Satterthwaite, a former student of Palmerston North Boys’ High School, suffered a fatal head injury on Sunday during a backyard game with friends in the North Island city of Palmerston North. Despite medical intervention, he died from his injuries on Monday.
The game involves two participants running at full speed toward each other and colliding, without any protective gear. It has been widely shared on social media, with some videos amassing tens of millions of views. The challenge is often promoted as a test of masculinity and strength, attracting mostly young men.
According to Inspector Ross Grantham, area police commander, “A young boy lost his life as a result of participating in what I understand to be a social media frenzy.” While no criminal investigation is underway, police are assisting the coroner’s inquiry and urging young people to reconsider the safety risks of participating in such challenges.
School and Police React
David Bovey, the rector of Palmerston North Boys’ High School, said he had intended to warn students about the growing popularity of the game before learning of Satterthwaite’s death. The school community is now reeling from the tragedy.
“This tragic outcome highlights the inherent safety concerns with such an activity,” Grantham added, emphasising that even informal or spontaneous versions of the game pose serious dangers.
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What Is Run It Challenge?
It’s a popular social media challenge where participants sprint directly at one another at full speed, without any protective gear, attempting to knock the other person down.
The death follows a recent championship event for “Run It Straight” held in Auckland. The event drew over 1,000 spectators and featured eight men competing for USD 20,000 in prize money. The winners will move on to a final match next month, with a grand prize of USD 250,000.
However, even this organised setting saw serious injuries, including two retirements due to head trauma and one participant suffering a seizure, according to Radio New Zealand (RNZ).
The game’s promoters, RUNIT, advertise it as “the world’s fiercest new collision sport” that celebrates “strength and grit.” But in light of the growing injuries and now a fatality, experts and authorities alike are calling for greater awareness, regulation, and caution.