A teenager named Ryan Satterthwaite tragically died on May 26, 2025, after suffering a serious head injury.
Manawatū police area commander Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed that Ryan’s death was linked to participation in what he described as a “social media frenzy.” Grantham warned anyone considering taking part in such challenges to think carefully about the serious risks involved.
“Although this was an unplanned game among friends, this heartbreaking outcome highlights the dangers associated with these activities,” he said.
While the police do not consider it a criminal matter, they are continuing their inquiries on behalf of the coroner.
The “Run It Straight” challenge, which has been popular in Australia and New Zealand for years, recently surged in popularity online. It has even gained endorsement from professional rugby players, despite repeated warnings from experts about its dangers.
The game involves two players – a ball runner and a tackler – who stand at opposite ends of a 20m by 4m field. Both run at full speed toward each other without any protective gear, aiming to knock the other player down.
Numerous online videos show participants losing consciousness after impacts, highlighting the risks.
A recent championship event in Auckland billed “the world’s fiercest new collision sport” drew over 1,000 spectators as eight men competed for a $20,000 prize.
Organizers of the official RUNIT events stressed to The Guardian that any contact sport like this should only take place under strict medical supervision and in controlled environments. They screen participants, enforce safety guidelines on tackling, conduct medical checks before and after matches, and have medical personnel present at all times.
“We do not encourage any attempts to replicate this sport outside these strict conditions,” the organizers said.
Kimami Ngaluafe, who runs another “Run It Straight” event in New Zealand called Up the Guts NZ, described the sport as a popular backyard pastime for a wide age range, from five-year-olds to men in their 40s.
“It’s a Kiwi national backyard sport. The boys are currently playing as we speak,” Ngaluafe told the BBC.
However, the trend has drawn strong criticism from neuroscientists and brain injury specialists due to the high risk of serious trauma.
Headway, a brain injury charity, warned that trends like this can cause devastating and lifelong consequences. Colin Morris, Headway’s communications director, told ITV News:
“These trends are dangerous because they encourage copycat behavior, especially among young people who may not understand the serious risks. Without medical supervision, one hit to the head can cause death or permanent damage affecting memory, mood, movement, and personality. It’s simply not worth the risk.”
