Speedrunning Expo fights Cystic Fibrosis with Gaming

Speedrunning is a part of gaming that many people probably learned about through Games Done Quick, which quickly became one of the largest charity events and is certainly the largest speedrun events out there. In fact, many of the speedrunners we’ve talked to over the last several months have said that GDQ is how they got into speedrunning. Yet, there is something to be said to be said about what was lost when GDQ became so large, with some viewers lamenting the realness of its humble beginnings. On that smaller end of speedrunning events is the Speedrunning Expo, or SRX.

SRX has been around since 2014, a much smaller gathering and showcase that raises funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation twice a year. Runners submit their runs and then show off their skills in various games. The difference is there isn’t the flair that larger events has; this is a group that love speedgaming and love their little community who are all united fighting a disease through streaming and collecting donations.

Going on this weekend is SRX Spring, which is being held in Columbus, Ohio. The second event of the year is held in the Fall and interestingly enough, there isn’t a venue fee. Attenders only have to pay whatever travel costs would be involved and the hotel fee. So, this is a much smaller event in just about every way, except for the passion that’s shown by the runners and commentators.

We talked to one of the organizers, TheHypeMan over Twitter, who shared what makes SRX so special. "I would have to say it's our atmosphere and environment. We try to maintain a relaxed environment where everyone can have a good time and support a good cause." 

Games on the schedule include an array of retro classics, as well as some rom hacks that take some of those old games and add in new elements or offer challenges in a different order. Just recently, Speedrunning Expo was in a Super Metroid block, which included two rom hacks Super Metroid: Stardust and Super Metroid: Project Base, as well as a Super Metroid randomizer run. While there has been some rom hacks of note in larger events like GDQ, GrandPOObear’s runs come to mind, being able to show more rom hacks is a benefit of having a smaller group.

We also asked TheHypeMan why they chose to run so many rom hacks, even though they can be a little controversial. "I believe that hacks are a labor of love. As many know imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I think it's a testament to how good the game is if it is hacked or modded. It's loved by someone so much they want to somehow leave their personal touch on the game and the community." 

Getting together through the umbrella of speedrunning to make a difference in the world is something that’s commendable, no matter what the monetary comparison is.

Watch SRX Spring on Stream.Me, while a full schedule of the runs is also available here. Archived runs will be available on their YouTube channel.