Fast moves and dodging are essential in a game of “Chase Tag”, the new sport which sees players race around obstacles trying to catch each other.

A childhood game played in school playgrounds the world over, tag has been transformed by a British enthusiast into an extreme sport, attracting athletes from different parts of the globe.

Fast moves and dodging are essential in a game of “Chase Tag”, the new sport which sees players race around obstacles trying to catch each other.

The idea came to creator Christian Devaux after playing tag with his son, who challenged his father to find out who was really the best. “We decided to introduce obstacles into the garden. We had a bin, and some chairs, and a bench,” he said. “Then the obstacles just grew and grew more complicated”.

Mr. Devaux’s garden game led him to create Chase Tag in 2015 with its own set of rules. This month, the sport held its second tournament with six teams of four players.

The rapid race features two players, one tasked with catching the others in the short time frame. Each catch gives a team one point, while anyone who escapes uncaught with their nifty moves gets three points.

Fun times

While the players are seen concentrating as they leap and dart around the pitch, there’s a light-hearted atmosphere.

“It appeals to our childish side,” said Mehdi Hadim, one of the players.

“Everyone’s played tag. And the game we play here has placed it at a new athletic level.” Taking part in the competition, broadcast live on Facebook, is demanding and the atheltes train several times a week, combining gymnastics, weightlifting, athletics, climbing and parkour.