The Speed Project stands as a beacon of audacity. Born from a desire to redefine the limits of human potential and challenge traditional notions of racing, this ultra-endurance relay race has captured the imagination of runners around the globe. Here are ten essential things you should know about The Speed Project; offering a glimpse into its allure and the spirit of adventure that fuels its participants.
The Concept: The Speed Project is an annual ultramarathon relay race covering approximately 340 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Teams of six runners traverse a variety of terrain, including highways, trails, and urban landscapes, with the goal of reaching the finish line in the shortest time possible.
Team Dynamics: Success in The Speed Project hinges on teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. Each team must navigate logistical challenges, manage fatigue, and support one another through the highs and lows of the race, forging bonds that transcend mere competition.
24/7 Racing Unlike traditional races that unfold over a set timeframe, The Speed Project operates around the clock, with teams racing non-stop day and night. This relentless pace adds an extra layer of challenge, testing runners' physical and mental fortitude to the limit. Lucy Scholz is the record-holder for the fastest solo race, coming in at 84 hours and 45 minutes but the majority of OG teams (teams that replicate the original formation and gender ratio completed by the founders'), however, are still competing to finish first solely for the bragging rights with the current race record being 29 hours and 21 minutes.
Minimalist Approach The ethos of The Speed Project is one of simplicity and self-reliance. Teams are responsible for their own navigation, support vehicles, and logistics, with minimal outside assistance permitted along the route. There’s no cash prize but all runners and “radical participators” are invited to an end-of-race pool party to mark their accomplishments.
Unpredictable Conditions From scorching desert heat to freezing temperatures at night, runners in The Speed Project must contend with a wide range of environmental conditions. Adaptability and resilience are essential traits for tackling the challenges of this unforgiving course.
The Spirit of Adventure At its core, The Speed Project is about embracing the spirit of adventure and pushing beyond the boundaries of comfort and convention. Participants relish the opportunity to explore new landscapes, test their limits, and forge lifelong memories along the way.
Inclusivity and Diversity The Speed Project welcomes runners of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the ultrarunning community. Whether seasoned veterans or first-time racers, all are united by a shared passion for exploration and self-discovery.
Community and Connection Despite its competitive nature, The Speed Project fosters a sense of community and connection among participants. Runners from around the world come together to share their love of running, celebrate each other's achievements, and support one another in pursuit of their goals.
Pushing Boundaries The Speed Project challenges runners to push beyond their perceived limits and embrace the unknown. By confronting adversity head-on and embracing discomfort, participants discover newfound strength and resilience that extend far beyond the race itself.
Inspiration and Empowerment Above all, The Speed Project is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the potential for transformation that lies within each of us. As runners cross the finish line, they emerge not only as champions of the race but as ambassadors of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Through its unique blend of challenge, innovation, and spirit, The Speed Project inspires runners to push beyond their limits, embrace the unknown, and unlock their full potential. With no website, the best way to keep up with everything The Speed Project is by following @thespeedproject on Instagram. During the race, the founders live stream race updates and interview athletes along the route – all from their 1990 Lincoln stretch limo.