Red light…green light! Over 1,400 people in California park played iconic kids game
If you’ve ever gotten into arguments of “I saw you move!” or “no I didn’t!” on the playground as a child… this record is for you.
A whopping 1,423 people gathered at a park in Anaheim, California, USA to participate in the largest game of red light/green light, a schoolyard classic.
The crowd was mainly filled with young children from the Anaheim Elementary School District and families in the surrounding area, and everyone was thrilled to make it into the record books for such a fun outing!
The attempt was organized by CF Fitness Inc. – an educational service provider whose mission is to bring more physical activity into US schools and to create life-changing experiences through after-school educational programmes and workshops centered on conflict resolution and social interaction.
Founded in 2014 by James Howell, a professional track and field runner, the organization was born out of a conversation with a school administrator he was training, who came late to an event due to too many student conflicts throughout the day.
So they collaborated to form Structured Play and after-school programmes for students to get out their energy, participate in team-building activities – and most of all, have fun!
We are all born dreamers – it's up to us to turn those dreams into reality. - James Howell, CEO and Founder, CF Fitness
CF Fitness frequently works with Anaheim Elementary School district’s programme, Anaheim Succeeds, which is an expanded learning opportunities programme providing before, after, and summer school activities.
They’ve hosted hundreds of other events in the area, particularly with these types of kids' games, and are always eager to include the local community.
And they thought a massive game of red light/green light would be a perfect way to get all the kids out to play!
The event was hosted on a sunny afternoon, the 21 May, at Yorba Park in California. Students were dropped off by the bus-load, and were thrilled to run around the giant stretch of grass while officials organized the event. The kids were all from different schools, so lots of new friends were made as they played with CF Fitness mascot Lil Muscle.
And everyone showed up to support – even local firefighters, police officers, city officials, and local parents and kids who aren’t in the school district.
Although it took two attempts to get everyone properly lined up to start the game, it was a blast!
Over 1,400 attendees in different coloured shirts spaced themselves out along a stretch of trees, facing event officials at the front. Participants could rush towards the referees whenever they heard someone shout “GREEN LIGHT”, but had to immediately stop when they heard “RED LIGHT”, or else they’d be disqualified. The winner is the first to reach the referee without being caught, whereupon they’d be celebrated as the champion of the game.
When all was said and done, the kids had a wonderful time, and were thrilled to hear Guinness World Records Adjudicator Brittany Dunn announce them as the new record holders.
“It was definitely an afternoon filled with lots of energy and I think my face hurt from smiling so much!” said Brittany.
“The children were all really great and so eager to participate. I loved that [they] all took the attempt so seriously, and one of the older police officers present decided he wanted to participate in the game as well, which made the children happy – and I thought was a great reminder that even adults need play in their lives, too.”
Did you take part in this amazing game of red light/green light? Get your own certificate of participation by heading to the Guinness World Records shop!
Many of the older participants were especially grateful that their community could organize something so wholesome, and seemed eager to take part in similar events again.
“CF Fitness aimed to break down racial barriers among students and bring the community together,” said the event organizers. “Our goal was to unite students, inspire them to stay active, make healthy choices, and see district leaders in a different light – viewing them not just as authority figures, but as approachable, supportive individuals within a child-friendly environment.
“We also wanted to encourage students to dream big and put their effort into turning those dreams into reality, showing that with dedication, anything is possible.”
Anything is possible while on a green light, that is!