The Race

Actors: 5
Reference: Philippians 3:13-14
Notes: If you use props, it'd be good to have four books or Bibles.
If you are performing in a small enough auditorium/church, it works well to have the "course" be the center aisle (down the middle of the audience) so that the runners have someplace convincing to run. A few lines will be spoken on this "course."

Full Script

[View Synopsis Only]

Scene: Three runners are gathered at the starting line of a race, warming up. The coach is giving them a pep talk. A fifth hangs back, observing.

Starter: Thank you all for coming today to participate in the race of life. Now, I'll warn you in advance that the course is difficult, narrow, and even dangerous. But I'll also tell you that the rewards waiting at the end are greater than you could ever imagine. Now, are there any questions before we begin?

1st Runner: Yeah - it looks really dark down there. It doesn't look like I'll even be able to see the path, let along run on it!

Starter: Glad you asked me about that. (Hands each of the three runners a book.) This is a combination map and flashlight. If you can't see the path, just open it up. It'll also help you find your way back on the path if you get lost.

1st Runner: (examines the book.) Wow - looks brighter already!

Starter: Absolutely!. Oh, and one last thing. Remember that all you have to do to win this race is to finish. It doesn't matter who comes in first or last - just make it to the end. Now, everybody on your marks --- get set --- GO!

1st Runner, with the book tucked under his arm, sprints off toward the course and exits. 4th Runner, standing off to the side, applauds and hoots loudly. 2nd Runner takes about three steps, notices how far ahead 1st Runner is, gets discouraged, and plods back to the starting line. 3rd Runner never even leaves the starting block, but finding something of interest on the ground, sits down to examine it.

Starter: (to 3rd Runner) Why didn't you start the race?

3rd Runner: I found a lady bug! Lady bugs are so cool. This one has three dots on it. That means it is three years old. And lady bugs are so friendly. The bummer is that they kinda have a funny smell to them.

Starter: I've noticed that you have kind of an inquisitive mind. There's a lot of stuff to see around here, isn't there?

3rd Runner: I'll say! Like all these insects and this grass. Would you look at how green it is! And look at that tree over there. That thing must be at least 150 years old if it's a day....

Starter: You know, that's true, but the thing of it is...

3rd Runner: And there is a thing?

Starter:: Yeah. What's waiting for you at the finish line is infinitely greater! Now, why don't you get back on the starting line and get ready to go again?

3rd Runner: Oh, OK. If you say so.

Starter: Good. (To 2nd Runner) Now, why are you back? Why didn't you keep going?

2nd Runner: I knew it! I knew I couldn't keep up! Just look at how far ahead that guy got in just a couple of minutes! No, I should have started this race 20 years ago. I had so much more stamina then. It's just too late now.

Starter: Well, you know how important running this race is, don't you?

2nd Runner: Oh yes. This is something I've been meaning to do for a long time.

Starter: Then the thing of it is - and there is a thing - you, uh, how can I put this delicately? You're not getting any younger.

2nd Runner: I beg your pardon?!?

Starter: Well, are you?

2nd Runner: No....

Starter: So if you think starting it now is gonna be tough, what makes you think it's gonna be easier if you wait?

2nd Runner: Good point.

Starter: Besides, even though the course is tough, I assure you that you can handle it if you follow the instructions I gave you. It's not the winning or loosing that counts, it's the finishing. Now, shall we give it another try?

2nd Runner: Alright, I'll guess I'd better.

2nd Runner and 3rd Runner again crouch down on the blocks. Starter again gives the read-set-go, and they are off. 4th Runner applauds. 2nd Runner makes it all the way out this time, but 3rd Runner stops a few paces out, this time noticing how fascinating her shoes are. She stops to stare.

Starter: (to 4th Runner) Now, why aren't you running with the others?

4th Runner: Oh! (laughing) I didn't come to run the race - I just like to watch!

Starter: But watching won't win you the prize. Now, why don't you come over to the starting line and get ready to run?

4th Runner: No, it was fun watching, but now I've gotta get my groceries home. I don't need to run a race like this, anyway.

Starter: Really? I'd have guessed that you need this race in a really big way.

4th Runner: What's that supposed to mean?

Starter: Whoa! A little defensive, aren't you?

4th Runner: I'M NOT DEFENSIVE!!!

Starter: Oh. My mistake.

4th Runner: Okay, maybe I am a touch defensive. But I've got every right to be! Look - the thing of it is...

Starter: And there is a thing?

4th Runner: Yes, there is! I don't even know why I'm telling you this, but I started this race once before. It was about five years ago - I started out just like all the others, in fact, I was almost as fast as that first guy just now. But before I'd even gone a mile, I tripped over a rock and fell flat on my face! I got dirt all over me, and I really hurt myself. I managed to crawl off to the side of the road, but I couldn't get up on my own. And you know what hurt the most is that none of the other runners stopped to help. Most of them just ran right on by and pretended not to see me - a few shouted back how sorry they were as they whizzed on past. Some of them even made fun of me. It was a terrible experience. No, this race is not for me - I guess it never was. I don't even know why I'm even down here watching it.

Starter: It really pains me to hear you tell that story. It's terrible that none of the other runners stopped to help - they really should have. But let me show you something. (takes her aside and points to 3rd Runner, still staring into the sky) You see that girl down there? It looks like she really needs someone to help her. Now, if you would start the race, you could catch up to her and you could help each other finish.

4th Runner: Help her?

Starter: Yeah, you could do for her what all those other runners wouldn't do for you all those years ago.

4th Runner: I can't believe I'm letting you talk me into this, but OK, I'll do it.

Starter: Great! (Leads her to the start line and gives the ready-set-go. Starter watches in satisfaction as 4th Runner takes off and catches up with 3rd Runner.)

3rd Runner: Look at the bird up in the sky! Isn't it beautiful?

4th Runner: (Puts her arm around 3rd Runner) Lets say you and I help each other out. You make sure I don't fall down, and I'll make sure you don't get distracted from the goal!

3rd Runner: OK! (They take off jogging together and make it off. Starter bows head.)

The End





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