The school’s annual Field Day was the event everyone talked about for weeks. There were relay races, tug-of-war, and even a giant obstacle course—but the highlight was always the big chase game.
This year, it was my turn to be a Trailblazer. That meant my partner, Mia, and I would get a head start, racing ahead while dropping bright beanbags every few steps to mark our path. Behind us, the Sprinters—a pack of twenty classmates—would be released, charging after us to try and catch up before the finish line.
“Five minutes head start,” Coach reminded us, holding the stopwatch. “Make it count.”
Mia and I exchanged a grin. We’d practiced after school, mapping out shortcuts and tricky turns around the baseball diamond, the playground, and the back field. If we timed it right, we could stay just out of reach.
The whistle blew, and we were off. We darted past the swings, tossing beanbags in quick intervals, then cut sharp around the bleachers. Our plan was to keep the route unpredictable. By the time the Sprinters were unleashed, we’d already disappeared behind the tennis courts.
Mia had a million clever moves. At one point, she zigzagged through the soccer nets, forcing the Sprinters to untangle themselves. Another time, she slowed just long enough to toss a beanbag near the water fountain, then sprinted away in the opposite direction, knowing the Sprinters would lose a few seconds figuring out the turn.
Halfway through, we made our boldest move: ducking through the shallow creek that ran behind the school. The water splashed around our sneakers as we jogged upstream for twenty yards before hopping back onto the grass. I hoped the running water would scatter the trail just enough to confuse the Sprinters.
But no plan is perfect. As we paused for breath near the baseball field, a shout rang out. “There they are!” The Sprinters had spotted us, cutting the distance fast. My heart pounded as Mia and I bolted across the outfield, legs burning.
The last stretch was a flat sprint across the playground blacktop. We could hear sneakers slapping the ground behind us, closer and closer. Kids lined the edges, cheering loudly, some yelling for the Trailblazers, others for the Sprinters.
With the finish line—a chalked line across the blacktop—just ahead, we gave one last push. The crowd roared as we lunged forward, crossing just seconds before the leading Sprinter nearly tagged Mia’s shoulder.
We collapsed on the ground, gasping and laughing, while the Sprinters streamed in one by one. Win or lose, everyone agreed—it had been the best chase game yet.
“Trailblazers on the Run” by Nina D. Smith. Published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “The Parkhurst Paper-chase” from The Parkhurst Boys and Other Stories of School Life by Talbot Baines Reed, originally published in 1914.
“Trailblazers on the Run” is perfect for middle school students, as it blends friendly competition, quick thinking, and teamwork in a relatable school setting that mirrors their own experiences.
Here are three discussion questions you could use with this story:
- In the story, both teamwork and personal determination play important roles. Which do you think mattered more for the Trailblazers’ success, and why?
- The Trailblazers used creative shortcuts to stay ahead. Have you ever been in a situation—sports, school, or otherwise—where thinking differently helped you succeed?
- Field day is meant to be fun as well as competitive. How can students balance the desire to win with making sure everyone enjoys the experience?
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