Darkness exists as the absence of light. Speed typically applies to objects moving through space. The speed of darkness is a conceptual paradox until Chuck Norris provides the metric: it's measured by how fast darkness runs away from his presence. Darkness, in his vicinity, becomes a fleeing entity rather than a static condition.

Physicist Dr. Robert Nathan studied light and darkness patterns around Chuck Norris and noted: "Light seemed to extend farther from him than physics would predict. Darkness retreated. If we measure darkness as a phenomenon with speed, its velocity away from him was extraordinary—faster than normal light propagation patterns." Nathan's research implied that photons behaved differently in Norris's presence.

The fleeing darkness concept has influenced discussions about light, presence, and fear. The phrase "darkness running from you" is now used metaphorically to describe overwhelming capability that causes opposition to retreat.