The Speed Project is recognized as one of the most challenging and mysterious relay races in the world. It started in 2013 as a challenge among friends to see if they were crazy enough to run from LA to Vegas. It’s now an annual event that brings together runners from around the world from Olympians to elite athletes and weekend warriors to everyday runners. They must tackle 340 miles (547 km) from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with no set route, no specific rules, and only one goal – to get to Sin City first.
This year, FIELDBOSS’s very own JP Sebastian was invited to take part in the ultra-relay.
Click here to read Part 1 – The Preparation.
Here is what he had to say about his experience:
I’m still coming down from the high that was The Speed Project. Despite sharing an RV with 7 other runners for the better part of 43 hours, it’s an experience I would not hesitate to do again.
It was easy to get lost in the adrenaline rush this race provides; a 4am start at the Santa Monica Pier, hundreds of runners from around the world, some for the first time and others who have come back year after year, about to head out of LA into the Desert. The mountains, Death Valley…the places we ran through were absolutely breath taking. Along with the breath taking moments there were some nerve-racking ones too. We were chased by wild dogs, questioned by some dubious characters wandering the roads of a small town we ran though at 1am, and had to explain to California Highway Patrol what the heck we were doing running on the side of busy roads!
Obviously, those are not things you would need to worry about when you take part in a traditional road or trail race. But that’s just part of the appeal of an ultra-relay.
Running is often seen as a solo activity. Most runners, myself included, spend a lot of time logging miles on our own. Ultra-relays give runners a chance to be part of a team. To share in the suffering of running on tired legs, little sleep, and many (so many) energy drinks. When it’s all said and done, you have memories and moments you’ll share with a group of people forever.
I know that not everyone will read this and think “yes, I want to do an ultra-relay”. I wasn’t on board immediately either! But I encourage you, when given the opportunity, to try something that is outside of your comfort zone; sometimes you might be surprised by what you learn about yourself!
We are all proud of you, JP, and inspired. Maybe not to run an ultra-relay but perhaps to at least try something new. We can’t wait to see what’s next on your bucket list!
