A new kind of sprint has taken over TikTok, and it has nothing to do with track meets or local 5Ks. Teenagers are bolting through the doors of Scientology centers, dodging security, and filming every second of the escape that follows. The goal is straightforward: get as far inside as possible before being thrown out.
The trend is called the “Scientology Run,” and the people doing it call themselves “raiders.” The first known attempt came from TikTok user @5.0arrodo at the end of March 2026. His video, captioned “Maniac 16 year old infiltrates the Church of Scientology,” showed a teenager running past staff at the Hollywood Scientology center and making it down a flight of stairs before exiting. It pulled in millions of views.
That opening clip set off a wave of copycats. TikToker @swhileyy has racked up four million views on a single Scientology Run video. Another 55-second clip reposted to X reached nearly 18 million views. Each raider seems to be trying to outdo the last by pushing deeper into the building. The runner enters at top speed, weaves around front desk staff, and pushes past a string of security officials before getting pulled up and banished from the property.
@5.0arrodo Should I go back and infiltrate upstairs? #scientology #hollywood #la #cult #skateboarding ♬ original sound – 5.0arrodo
The Church and Its Celebrity Following
Scientology, founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954 and now led by ecclesiastical leader David Miscavige, describes itself as “religion in its highest meaning.” Its buildings are famously closed off to non-members, which gives every run the feel of an infiltration.
Much of the church’s public image comes from its Hollywood membership. Tom Cruise is the most famous follower, along with John Travolta, Elisabeth Moss, and Erika Christensen. Voice actress Nancy Cartwright is also a member, as is Michael Peña. Katie Holmes left the church after divorcing Cruise in 2012.
That celebrity connection has shaped the jokes around the trend. “When you make it to the top floor of the Scientology building and you see a healthbar pop up with Tom Cruise’s name on it,” one user on X wrote, treating the runs like a video game speedrun with Cruise as the final boss.
@5.0arrodo #scientology #hollywood #la #cult #skateboarding ♬ original sound – 5.0arrodo
A Split Response
Reactions have been mixed. Some viewers find the videos funny and are cheering on the raiders. “Is this a thing people do? Are there more videos? Where do I join up?” one commenter asked.
Others think the challenge crosses a line. “Ok, now try the Vatican or the the Kaaba, let me know how that works out for you,” one X user wrote. “Either way your trespassing on someone else’s private property.. and that’s not cool, regardless of beliefs.”
Some critics of the church itself have also spoken out against the stunt, arguing that the runs actually help Scientology rather than hurt it. “This plays right into Scientology indoctrination that the outside world is a violent place that wishes to disrupt the dissemination of Scientology,” one user wrote. “It does nothing to stop the dissemination of Scientology and nothing to stop the abuses of Scientology. In fact, it helps keep them going.”
For now, the raiders keep running. The church keeps removing them. And the view counts keep climbing, joining a growing list of viral running moments that blur the line between stunt and sport.
I live in the heart of Scientology land in Clearwater, FL. Back in the day if it rained we would drive through puddles to splash them.