On Wednesday 31 May 2023 at 12.15, the first ever bunch of HL-LHC particles accelerated itself around the 3.8 km circumference of the legendary CERN Relay Race.

This year’s 51st edition reunited a record number of 155 bunches, including many rare particle species in disguise, who tried to reach the finish line without too many parasitic collisions, despite competing with an unprecedented level of energy and excitement.

Falling short of the targeted speed of light by only a few orders of magnitude, the Project Office team, embracing the motto Fast & Luminous, took an unexpected (yet well-deserved) third place in the Open Mixte Category!

The success of this breakthrough would however not have been possible without the support of the entire scientific community, which turned out in large numbers to energize the particles all along their challenging trajectory.

A big thank you to the entire CERN community for this wonderful challenge that showcased the creativity, quirkiness, and boundless enthusiasm of the scientists at the forefront of unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

By Markus Zerlauth, HL-LHC Deputy Project leader.