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The Speed Project and Art Navarro at the Santa Monica Pier

Published on April 9, 2025

The Speed Project, or TSP, starts the week of March 24th at the iconic Santa Monica Pier.

Solo runners and relay teams race over 300-miles from the top of the Pier through the valleys of the Mojave desert, ending at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign. TSP developed a reputation for being one of the most physically and mentally grueling ultramarathons in the game, attracting some of the world’s fastest athletes.

Organizers of this underground marathon work particularly hard to keep the marathon ‘underground.’ TSP has no route, no rules, no spectators and no official website despite its decade-long presence. This ultramarathon was created by a curious group of friends who wondered how long it would take to run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. In 2013 it became a staple in the running community.

Long-time Speed Project runner Art Navarro started his first solo race on March 24, taking the 300-mile Powerline route from California to Nevada. With the help of his support crew, Navarro made it to the Welcome Las Vegas sign in 144 hours and 50 minutes.

“It’s just me on my own with a crew just trying to get to Vegas safely and as quickly as possible, but most of all I am having a good time, enjoying the moment, being present, and having some fun,” Navarro said.

Navarro’s crew, which consists of his family and friends, accompanied him on his 300-mile journey.  His team followed him in an RV and an off-road vehicle, providing essentials like electrolytes, food, and water during the four-day stretch. During his race, Navarro was able to sleep about 1 to 2 hours per day.  To prepare for this solo ultramarathon, Navarro trained with his family and his local running groups in Culver City. The weekend before the race, he ran the LA marathon with his son and daughter to get some miles in.

“You’ll never know until you take that first step into running, what you’re capable of,” Navarro said. “You could’ve asked me 10 years ago, I would never in my life figured I’d be running 300-miles for The Speed Project.”