VERTEX SERIES DISCIPLINE
SPEED
Fastest clean run wins.
UNDERSTAND THE DISCIPLINE
FASTEST CLEAN RUN WINS.
Fast, precise movement through a set course.
OVERVIEW
WHAT SPEED REWARDS
Speed is not about prescribed skills. It rewards fast decision-making, efficient routes, clean movement and the ability to adapt to the course under pressure.
- Efficient route selection
- Fast, controlled movement
- Adaptability between obstacle types
- Accuracy at gates, checkpoints and boundaries
- Safe decision-making at competition speed
CORE PRINCIPLE
The athlete with the lowest official time ranks highest.
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
COMPETITION FORMAT
Vertex Series Speed may be run as Individual Speed or Dual Speed. The competition pathway is built around two qualifying runs followed by a top-six Final.
QUALIFYING RUN 1
Each athlete completes a first timed run. A valid run can contribute to both qualification and season-ranking points.
QUALIFYING RUN 2
Each athlete receives a second timed opportunity. The faster valid time from either qualifying run determines qualification position.
TOP SIX ADVANCE
After both runs, athletes are ranked by their fastest valid official time. The top six advance to the Final.
FINAL
Each finalist receives one final run, normally in reverse qualifying order. Qualification times do not carry over; the Final is a separate competitive round.
QualificationBest valid time from two runs
Final fieldTop 6
Final runs1
Final carry-overNone
HOW PERFORMANCE IS MEASURED
TIMING & PENALTIES
Speed is decided by official time. Timing should be electronic where practical, with manual backup timing available.
OFFICIAL TIME = RECORDED TIME + APPLICABLE TIME PENALTIES
VALID RUN
A completed run that follows the required route, gates, checkpoints and boundaries.
MINOR INFRINGEMENT
Adds 2 seconds to the recorded time. Multiple minor infringements may result in multiple penalties.
MAJOR INFRINGEMENT
The run is declared invalid. Examples include missing a required checkpoint/gate, a meaningful shortcut or failing to complete the course.
FALSE START
In a controlled-start race, the first false start receives a warning and restart; a second false start by the same athlete invalidates that run/race.
SEASON POINTS
SEASON RANKING POINTS
Both qualifying runs can earn season-ranking points, even though only the fastest valid run determines qualification position.
RUN POINTS = 500 × (FASTEST QUALIFYING TIME ÷ ATHLETE OFFICIAL TIME)
TOTAL EVENT SCORE = RUN 1 POINTS + RUN 2 POINTS + FINAL PLACEMENT BONUS
- Each qualifying run is worth up to 500 points.
- An invalid qualifying run earns 0 ranking points.
- The Final does not award another time-based score; finalists receive a placement bonus instead.
FINAL PLACEMENT BONUS
1st+1002nd+503rd+254th+105th+106th+10
MAXIMUM
Maximum standard event ranking score: 1,100 points.
IMPORTANT COMPETITION RULES
KEY RULES & TIE-BREAKS
COURSE FREEDOM
Athletes choose their own movements and routes between required course features.
QUALIFYING TIE
If best times are tied, the lower combined time across both valid qualifying runs ranks higher. Further tie-break procedures may be used if required.
FINAL TIES
Shared placings are permitted except that a tie for first requires one tie-break run. If that tie-break is also identical, joint first may be awarded.
RERUNS
Reruns are reserved for verified issues outside the athlete’s control, such as timing failure, equipment failure or external obstruction. Athlete mistakes alone do not justify a rerun.
OFFICIAL COMPETITION DOCUMENTS
VIEW RULES & RESOURCESThis page is a public summary designed to explain the discipline clearly. The current Vertex Series Competition Manual and event-specific instructions remain the controlling rules.
QUICK ANSWERS
SPEED FAQ
Do both qualifying runs count?
Yes, but in different ways. Your fastest valid time determines qualification position, while both qualifying runs can earn season-ranking points.
Do Final times carry over from qualification?
No. The Final is independent. Each finalist receives one Final run and Final placing is based only on that run.
What is the minor penalty?
A minor course infringement adds 2 seconds to the recorded time.
What happens if I miss a required gate or checkpoint?
A major infringement can make that run invalid.
Can I get a rerun after making a mistake?
Not simply because of an athlete error. Reruns are for verified competition or technical issues outside the athlete’s control.
EXPLORE VERTEX SERIES
UNDERSTAND ALL FOUR DISCIPLINES.
Each discipline rewards a different part of parkour performance. Explore the other formats or view the official competition resources.