The Speed Project (TSP) is an unsanctioned ultra-running relay known for its unconventional structure, attracting endurance athletes from around the world.
The race covers approximately 340 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, but unlike traditional events, it has no fixed route, no official rules, and no spectators.
Runners rely entirely on their own planning, strategies, and resilience to reach the finish line.
Origin and Concept
The event was created by Nils Arend, a German event organizer previously involved in Hamburg’s underground nightlife scene. Arend’s vision was simple yet innovative: gather a small group of runners willing to undertake a self-supported journey from Santa Monica Pier to the Las Vegas welcome sign.
Since its inception, the event’s distinctive motto, “No Rules, No Spectators,” has defined its identity. The only explicit guideline provided to participants is avoiding highways, leaving teams free to navigate their own paths and determine their own strategies.
The Route and Race Format
Participants encounter diverse terrain, including urban cities, desolate desert roads, and remote rural areas.
Teams of up to six runners rotate throughout the journey, running day and night to complete the course. The absence of formal guidelines allows teams to creatively choose routes and develop unique approaches to logistics and pacing.
For runners seeking an even greater challenge, TSP also offers a solo category.
These solo athletes must manage not only the physical demands of running hundreds of miles but also the considerable logistical challenges of coordinating their own support teams, supplies, and safety measures.
Expanding the Challenge: The Atacama Desert
Recently, The Speed Project expanded beyond its original route to introduce the Atacama Crossing in Chile’s Atacama Desert, known as one of the driest places on Earth.
Covering nearly 300 miles of harsh terrain, the Atacama race presented an entirely new set of challenges to ultra-runners.
Rob Perez, a previous TSP relay participant, became the first solo winner of the Atacama Crossing.
Perez described the Atacama event as a venture into unexplored territory, significantly tougher than his previous experiences.
Essential to his success was the support from his pacer, Parley Hannan, who ran approximately 230 miles alongside him, showcasing the event’s reliance on strong teamwork even in solo categories.
Community and Culture
Despite being an intense physical challenge, TSP places strong emphasis on community and collective experience.
Athletes often form lasting bonds through the shared hardship and collaborative nature of the event. The race intentionally remains free from commercialization, sponsorship, and corporate interests, emphasizing personal experience and collective achievement.
Many participants, including Perez, speak to the event’s mental and emotional impact. The difficulty of the route forces runners to confront personal barriers, providing valuable personal insights and lasting lessons about endurance and self-reliance.
“It’s the Burning Man of races. Yes, it’s a race, but at the end of the day, it’s a journey.” he said. “I learned so much about myself, but the biggest takeaway was knowing it is possible.”
