'Speed running' trend spreads despite Scientology and social media sites trying to stop it
Key takeaways
- The Scientology “speed running” trend isn’t slowing down.
- Other online content creators on TikTok and Instagram say they’ve had their accounts suspended or threatened with discipline for posting videos about the church and the speed runs.
- The trend started with groups of teens recording themselves sprinting through properties belonging to the Church of Scientology along the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A pedestrian walks past the Church of Scientology “mother church,” located off Fountain Avenue, on April 23 in Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) By James Queally Staff Writer Follow May 8, 2026 12:51 PM PT 8 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
The Scientology “speed running” trend isn’t slowing down.
Since the first incidents in Los Angeles in late March, large groups of people — some in costumes — have tried to race through buildings belonging to the church in New York, San Diego, San Francisco and countries outside the U.S., even as Scientology’s lawyers, law enforcement agencies and social media platforms have sought to halt the viral movement.