Ask HN: Do forced team-building exercises work?

I'm coming from having worked as a marketer at two Series A startups.

Previously, whenever I've requested to not attend team-outings or parties, then I've been looked at as someone who must be weird and then peer-pressured into attending.

I like to build relationships with my colleagues by working alongside on projects and then getting to know them one-to-one. I don't think partnering with them in a race will build rapport.

I fully understand that such activities are useful for people who are socially inactive but maybe the rest of us should be allowed to bow out.