This past Saturday, Berlin’s Ku’damm turned into the starting line of something much bigger than just a run a day before the half-marathon. Cool Running hosted a Shake Out Run to kick off a weekend celebrating the return of eight Berlin-based runners who took part in the Speed Project – an epic journey on foot from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
What sounded like a fitness challenge turned into something way deeper: a test of physical and mental limits, and above all, a journey of unity. Running over 560 kilometers through the desert, with barely any sleepy and physical strain, pushed every runner to their limits. From night runs under a star-filled sky to moments of pain and exhaustion. Every mile demanded grit, every step was earned. And in the end, it wasn’t just about reaching Las Vegas — it was about everything they overcame to get there.
The event started with a Cool Runnings community run through the city and ended in a laid-back yet emotional get-together with food, drinks, and an exclusive film screening of the project.
The talk with the Cool Runnings Group was hosted by model and presenter Toni, who guided the conversation with the runners as they shared some of the most intense, challenging, and beautiful moments of their desert adventure. One story stood out — the wild dogs along the route. Several runners were chased, and Leonie, one of the participants, was actually bitten in the leg. After a hospital visit, she still chose to continue running the very next day, creating a story of courage and grit.
Carlo opened up with humor about the situation of being stuck in a van with so many people under stress, exhaustion, and sleep deprivation. But that’s also what made this group grow stronger. Everyone brought their own energy, skills, and calm like model Julia, who helped the team reset through breath work sessions during the intense moments.
As Cool Runnings Club co-founder Tithey put it: “It wasn’t always easy. It was stressful at times. We were 18 people in a small space, totally sleep-deprived. But we made it. Together.” And you could feel that same spirit on Saturday: pride, vulnerability, and the unspoken bond of having been through something wild, something real. The event in Berlin wrapped the whole experience up in a way that felt personal and powerful. Perfect preparation for the Berlin Half-Marathon the next day, where most of the group were also running again.
For those who were part of it, it was an unforgettable chapter and for everyone else, one hell of an inspiration.
The only question left: What’s next?
CREDITS
Photography: Lukas Menegeler, Elijah Ofosu