In recent months, many members of the younger generation have participated in “speed runs” across the famous blue Scientology building on Sunset Boulevard. The idea of uncovering the mysteries surrounding the notorious organization has inspired countless acts of trespassing and exploration, as participants attempt to map out hidden areas and uncover rumored secrets. Unsurprisingly, Loyola students soon drew inspiration from the trend.
On one sunny afternoon, anonymous Loyola students decided to host a “speed run” inside Ruppert Hall, one of the most iconic buildings on campus. Known for its maze-like layout, Ruppert Hall has long been surrounded by rumors of hidden passageways beneath the school and mysterious “off-limits” rooms on the second and third floors said to contain forgotten secrets and forbidden knowledge.
As the event approached, students felt both excited and nervous about what they might discover. Some participants arrived with hand-drawn maps, flashlights, and elaborate theories about hidden tunnels connecting different parts of the building. Others were more motivated by the promise of victory, as organizers joked that the winner would receive “one of the keys” to unlock the hidden passageways forever.
One student humorously stated, “With the key, I won’t be late to class again.”
As the event unfolded, students raced through dim hallways and crowded stairwells while laughter and confused shouting echoed throughout the building. Many participants took unintended detours into unfamiliar corners of Ruppert Hall that they claimed they had never seen before.
One student described the experience by saying he “lost contact with the concept of direction.”
Others believed they had discovered shortcuts, only to find themselves face-to-face with yet another staircase. The rumors surrounding hidden secrets within Ruppert Hall only intensified the chaos, as students attempted to uncover locked-off areas and mysterious doors.
At one point, a participant believed he had finally uncovered a secret passageway hidden behind a hallway door, only to discover that it simply led to another staircase connected to the bathrooms.
By the end of the afternoon, no official winner had emerged. While several students came close to completing the challenge, nearly every promising route eventually led to another confusing hallway or staircase waiting to be explored.
Despite the lack of a champion, students agreed that the event was a success, as large crowds gathered throughout the building to watch the madness unfold. Discussions of another Ruppert Hall speed run have already begun circulating among students, although organizers hinted that the next challenge may be even more difficult.
“Next time there won’t be a map guiding you,” one organizer said. “It’ll just be you and the hall.”
