We begin by partnering directly with your event team—along with the appropriate local, state, national, or international athletic association(s). If requested, we also include key corporate stakeholders in the process. From there, we bring in neuroscientists, veterans, athletes, and expert sound designers to co-develop a starting sound that’s both inclusive and unmistakably energizing. The goal: a signal that avoids trauma triggers while still igniting the excitement of race day.

Some races choose to root their start sound in cultural relevance by incorporating a native instrument, local musical traditions, or even a regional artist. Others may wish to align the sound with a key brand sponsor. In either case, we tailor the start signal to reflect your event’s unique identity, whether that's cultural pride or cohesive sonic branding.

Our process blends creative sound design with rigorous scientific testing. We craft a custom auditory cue – ranging from a sharp signal to a full 60-second sonic build – uniquely tailored to your race type and atmosphere. Each sound undergoes multiple iterations and is tested using EEG scans on veterans with PTSD and athletes to ensure it reduces stress responses significantly compared to traditional race starts like gunshots, canons, or airhorns. The result is a start sound that’s both emotionally safe and unmistakably powerful.

The new sound premieres live at your event; placing your race among a growing global world-changing movement committed to inclusion and innovation. Start Without a Shot isn’t just about replacing a trigger, it’s about redefining the emotional experience at the starting line and setting a new standard for safety, empathy, and humanity in sport.