Scientology speedrunning
2026 TikTok trend
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- Gen Z influencers
- pranksters
| Location | Church of Scientology Information Center (primarily) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Scientology run challenge |
| Type | Internet trend |
| Participants |
|
Scientology speedrunning, sometimes called a Scientology run,[1] is a 2026 TikTok trend in which participants attempt to "speedrun" through Church of Scientology facilities, attempting to run in as far as possible before getting stopped while filming themselves.
The trend began with a viral video posted in March 2026 and quickly spread as creators attempted increasingly deeper or more disruptive incursions. The videos prompted platform removals, police response, and commentary from media outlets and former Scientologists.
Origin and spread
On March 31, 2026, 18-year-old TikTok user Swhileyy ran through the lobby of the Church of Scientology Information Center in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The building, also known as the Christie Hotel and located at 6724 Hollywood Blvd, serves as a public information center for the Church, with residential units on its upper floors. The video soon exploded in popularity, gaining roughly 90 million views.[2][3][4] The trend is inspired by video game speedrunning.[5]
More creators started to replicate the video, with some escalating the runs with airhorns.[2] The Church claims there has been property damage.[6] On April 25, 2026, dozens of individuals rushed into the information center, leading to staff being knocked over and leading the church to report to local police for property damage and potential burglary, according to reports.[6][7][8] Many people also tried to "one-up each other" and achieve the "deepest run",[9][10] though most attempts end quickly.[11] Some viewers have used the videos to map out the Hollywood facility.[4][12]
On TikTok, many Scientology run videos have been removed.[13] The Los Angeles Police Department have investigated runs,[14][15][1][16] and at one time detained some of the participants.[17]
In late April, the information center in Hollywood removed their door handles in response to the intrusions,[18][19] as well as public access.[6]
Reception
In general, responses to the activity have been mixed, but cautionary.
Vice magazine stated the trend was very funny but suggested "maybe a better use of Scientology infiltration tactics would be an investigative piece rather than a viral speed run".[20] Gizmodo described it as "this whole situation seems like it can just be chalked up to some kid doing something dumb, and it got out of hand".[21]
Actress and former Scientologist Leah Remini cautioned that the runs would not be helpful toward exposing the dangers of Scientology because the members inside are dedicated and radicalized. She advised that the incursions would not "lead them to reconsider what they've given up their entire lives for" but instead confirm their beliefs and cause them to further dedicate themselves.[22]
A Scientology official alleged the incidents were "organized trespass" and harassment just for social media attention, that there had been property damage, staff knocked down, and one was injured. As of April 28, the LAPD had received just two reports on speedrunning incidents, and was tasked with investigating an April 23rd incident "as an alleged hate crime". A former police officer told the Los Angeles Times that participants colliding with Church staff were at legal risk of a charge for battery. A professor at Cal State viewed the runs as a violent invasion of a religious center.[16]
Anti-Scientology activists have been split on the topic, some believing the runs are an effective form of protest, viewing the Church's reputation for secrecy as a reason to "apply pressure and push for answers". Other critics of the organization believed the running trend would backfire. One of the participants said the runs were "a mix of exposure, prank and activism".[16]
After the trend went viral, even the originator of the trend, Swhileyy, publicly urged others to stop.[6]