The new performance-first running shoe from HOKA is stepping into Melbourne tomorrow.

At first glance, ‘Speed Of Light’ is a bold campaign title for a running shoe – especially for those of us who are pushing for a 25-minute five-kayer. But in reality, it underscores the key element of running: pure aspiration and goal-chasing.

And the thing about HOKA is, they’re giving you the best leg-up to smash those goals with their latest offering, the Cielo X1 3.0. This ultralight shoe is engineered with responsive PEBA superfoam for that perfect bounce, a precision carbon plate that lets you lock into an economical stride, and finely tuned geometries for an effortless stride.

To celebrate the release of this game-changer, they’re hosting a massive day of events for the running community of Melbourne as part of their global ‘Speed Of Light’ initiative. Kicking off from 6:30am in Collingwood, HOKA will bring together elite athletes, ambassadors, run clubs and everyday runners for a speed session — complete with the first wear-tests of the Cielo X1 3.0 in Australia, followed by coffee, snacks and community hangs.

Later in the afternoon, runners can drop into a Running Rituals session featuring a Q&A with HOKA athletes, then roll straight into a runner-focused Pilates class designed to support both performance and recovery (register for tickets here). Finally, from 5pm, the Speed Of Light Hub opens up as a place to connect, check out the Cielo X1 3.0 up close, and refuel with casual food and drinks.