Adidas, in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based design studio PlayLab, has created a 200-meter desert running track in the heart of an abandoned gypsum quarry in New Mexico. This temporary project is part of the relaunch campaign for Adidas’ EQT line, choosing the quiet and natural environment for the running experience instead of noisy urban advertising.
The track is constructed using local and natural materials such as quarry soil, sand, and biodegradable paints, serving as an example of sustainable design in temporary architecture. The soft white surface of the track gradually blends into the ground over time, while two minimalist walls shape the running experience and sense of calm: the outer wall stands one meter high, closing off the horizon, and the inner wall rises two meters, providing a space for rest.
This project features no spectator stands, advertisements, or finish line. The running experience is defined as a sensory and meditative practice, and the track’s design—drawn from ceremonial circles and ancient pathways—is naturally aligned with the slope of the land.
The entire experience was executed as a zero-carbon project and a model of sustainable design, returning completely to nature after the event concluded. During the event, participants had the opportunity to experience the new EQT products, including the Trail Agravic shoes and the limited Pro 91/24 model.
The “Adidas Desert Running Track” is not just a sports path but an environmental art piece that celebrates presence in the moment and the silence of nature. This project exemplifies the intersection of art, sport, and sustainable design in the heart of the natural landscape, offering a unique experience for enthusiasts of architecture and environmental design.