Simmotion (also known as Always on the Run) is a recurring individual challenge that originated in Survivor: Tocantins, and reappeared in South Pacific, Cambodia, Ghost Island, David vs. Goliath, and Winners at War. The challenge requires strong mental focus and endurance.
Rules
Each castaway, usually with one hand tied behind their back, must drop a ball into a metal chute. The ball will travel down a spiraling metal track and exits out of one of two points (a turnstile gate in the middle of the track causes the balls to come out at alternate exits). The contestant must catch the ball and drop it back into the chute at the top. At designated intervals, an additional ball is added to the track until eight balls are simultaneously in play. If a ball exits the track and is not caught at any time, the castaway is eliminated from the challenge. The last person standing wins.
In Ghost Island, the challenge was modified to be used as a team challenge. The metal track was replaced with large wooden cascading beams, and the balls were replaced with large spools which would roll down the track. One member would mount the spool on one end, while the other member catches. The members of the pair will alternate tasks. This version of the challenge is significantly more physically demanding as the challenge setup is significantly larger than the original, requiring players to run from one end to the other.
History
The challenge debuted in Tocantins as the Final Immunity Challenge. Erinn Lobdell was the first person to drop out of the challenge, followed by Stephen Fishbach. As such, J.T. Thomas won immunity.
In South Pacific, the challenge was used as a pre-merge duel. Christine Shields Markoski outlasted Stacey Powell to win the challenge and remain at Redemption Island, whilst permanently eliminating Stacey.
In Cambodia, it again appeared as the Final Immunity Challenge. Kelley Wentworth dropped out first, followed by Tasha Fox. It came down to Jeremy Collins and Spencer Bledsoe, with Jeremy winning.
In Ghost Island, the challenge appeared as the final seven Reward Challenge. Castaways were divided into three teams of two, with Angela Perkins sitting out with no shot at reward. Each team managed to get all five spools rolling at once, but the team of Domenick Abbate and Wendell Holland ultimately outlasted the other two, winning reward.
In David vs. Goliath, it again appeared as the Final Immunity Challenge. Angelina Keeley dropped out first, followed by Mike White. It came down to Kara Kay and Nick Wilson, with Nick winning.
In Winners at War, the challenge appeared as the Final Immunity Challenge once again. Host Jeff Probst began by giving statistics to the final four about the history of the challenge. Tony Vlachos dropped out first, followed by Sarah Lacina. It came down to Natalie Anderson and Michele Fitzgerald. Once the fifth ball was added, Michele dropped the ball, meaning Natalie had won.
Winners
| Episode | Challenge Type | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| Tocantins "I Trust You but I Trust Me More" |
Individual Immunity (Final Immunity) |
 J.T. Thomas |
| South Pacific "Taste the Victory" |
Duel |  Christine Shields Markoski |
| Cambodia "Lie, Cheat and Steal" |
Individual Immunity (Final Immunity) |
 Jeremy Collins |
| Ghost Island "Always Be Moving" |
Team Reward |   Domenick & Wendell |
| David vs. Goliath "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" |
Individual Immunity (Final Immunity) |
 Nick Wilson |
| Winners at War "It All Boils Down to This" |
Individual Immunity (Final Immunity) |
 Natalie Anderson |
Gallery
Trivia
- Although the maximum amount of balls that could be in play in the individual version is eight, the challenge has only ever lasted long enough for five balls to be in play.
- The team version used in Ghost Island was the first instance in which the maximum was reached, with five spools in play.
- This challenge was created when a prop maker, Simon Ross, created a smaller version of the challenge when Dan Monday saw it and decided to make it a large scale version.
- South Pacific is the only season where this challenge was not the last challenge of its type, as in Tocantins, Cambodia, David vs. Goliath, and Winners at War it was the Final Immunity Challenge and in Ghost Island it was the final Reward Challenge.
- South Pacific is also the only season where the winner(s) of this challenge did not make it to the Final Tribal Council.
- Natalie Anderson is the only person to win this challenge as the Final Immunity Challenge and not become the Sole Survivor.
References