A 19-year-old from New Zealand has died following a game of “Run It Straight,” a viral contact sport that has exploded in popularity online but is now under intense scrutiny from medical professionals and law enforcement.
Ryan Satterthwaite sustained a serious head injury during an impromptu game with friends in Palmerston North.
Despite being rushed to hospital, he tragically passed away on Monday night.
“A Social Media Frenzy” With Fatal Consequences
Police confirmed the teenager’s death was linked directly to the high-impact game, which mimics full-contact rugby without protective equipment or professional oversight.
“While this was an impromptu game among friends, not a planned event, this tragic outcome does highlight the inherent safety concerns with such an activity,” said Manawatū Police Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham. “We would urge anyone thinking about taking part in a game or event like this to consider the significant safety and injury risks.”
Grantham added that Satterthwaite’s death was “a result of participating in what I understand to be a social media frenzy.”
What Is ‘Run It Straight’?
'Run It Straight' — or RUNIT — originated as a casual rugby-inspired challenge in Australia and New Zealand.
It has recently evolved into an unofficial underground sport, fueled by viral videos on TikTok and Instagram that rack up millions of views.
The rules are basic — and brutal: a ball runner and a tackler stand on either end of a 20m x 4m field, then charge at each other full-speed with the goal of knocking the opponent down. No helmets. No padding. No medical supervision.
The winner? Often decided based on who causes more “damage".
Organized Chaos: The Rise of ‘RUNIT Championships’
Despite mounting concern, organized RUNIT events have begun sprouting up. A championship event held in Auckland drew over 1,000 spectators. Eight men competed for a $20,000 prize, and a larger $250,000 final had been planned, ITV News reports.
Videos from the event showed participants being knocked unconscious, with one man appearing to have a seizure after a violent collision. Following public backlash, the event’s final at Auckland’s Trust Arena was cancelled.
“Following the trials, it was clear from commentary that there was overwhelming concern for the high-risk nature of the event,” the venue’s general manager told local media.
Neuroscientists Say a Fatality Was “Inevitable”
Ryan Satterthwaite’s death was not a surprise to those in the medical field. Leading sports neuroscientist Dr. Alan Pearce called it “inevitable.”
“This was a matter of time really, as sad as that is to say,” Dr. Pearce told News.com.au. “It can’t be done safely and when there’s kids and teens that see it, they like to copy what they see online. This is something that absolutely should not be copied.”
“It is the biggest ‘please do not try this at home’ disclaimer if I’ve ever seen one," the doctor added.
Pearce, who has long warned about the cumulative effects of head injuries in contact sports, was critical of the sport’s entire premise.
“I just cannot understand how they could take the most violent aspect of sport (contact) and turn it into a spectacle where the objective is just to try and knock out or hurt your opponent. It’s insanity.”
Brain Injury Experts Sound the Alarm
Headway, a UK-based brain injury charity, has also condemned the trend, saying it carries a “high-risk of potentially life-threatening injuries.”
Colin Morris, Director of Communications at Headway, outlined the devastating consequences of blunt force trauma to the head:
- Intracranial haemorrhages: Brain bleeds that can lead to permanent damage or death.
- Cerebral oedema: Swelling that cuts off oxygen to the brain.
- Diffuse axonal injury: Damage caused by the brain violently shifting in the skull.
- Second Impact Syndrome: A second head injury before recovery can result in rapid, fatal swelling.
“Trends like this are dangerous because they encourage copycat behaviour often among young people who may not fully understand the serious risks involved,” said Morris.
“No viral moment is worth risking your health, your future, or your life.”
A Misguided Response to “Soft” Sports?
Dr. Pearce believes part of the trend’s popularity is a backlash against modern safety rules in professional sports.
“There’s the idea that contact sport is getting soft. But that’s incorrect. It is actually getting far harder as the athletes are now bigger, stronger and faster than ever before.”
“We’re just basically trying to be more responsible in looking after our athletes as they are not just commodities.”
The message from medical experts is clear and urgent: Do not participate in or promote ‘Run It Straight’.
“For people who survive a brain injury, it can be profound and affect every part of a person’s life,” said Morris. “People shouldn’t participate in these challenges full stop.”
As more teens and young adults are lured by viral fame and prize money, advocates hope this tragic death will serve as a turning point.