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Washington, DC, is getting ready for one of the strangest endurance events ever, a Taco Bell-fueled 50K ultramarathon. Hundreds of runners are preparing to take on not just 31 miles of pavement but also a stomach-churning food challenge that’s quickly becoming an internet sensation.
The event gained fame after a similar run in Denver, Colorado, went viral earlier this month. The idea sounds simple, and slightly insane. Participants must run a 50K (about 31 miles) while stopping at 10 Taco Bell locations, eating at least nine items along the way. The rules don’t allow drinks to count, so no skipping the food by downing a Baja Blast.
Now, Washington, DC, is getting its own edition of the race, which kicks off on Saturday, November 29, at 8 a.m. Over 400 runners have already signed up for what organizers call “the ultimate mix of endurance and spice.”
Each runner has 11 hours to finish the course, including the required meal stops. Two food items are mandatory: by the fourth stop, every competitor must eat a Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme, and by the eighth, a Burrito Supreme or Nachos Bell Grande. Everything else is up to the runner’s digestive courage, though anyone trying to survive on fries alone might get a few side-eyes.
Despite the name, the event isn’t sponsored or endorsed by Taco Bell. The participating locations will remain open to regular customers, which means runners might find themselves waiting in line behind someone ordering a casual lunch. Organizers have even advised participants to order ahead when possible to avoid crowding.
While the event is free to enter, runners must pay for their own food. More importantly, they must also sign a waiver acknowledging the obvious risks, from stomach distress to potential medical emergencies.
So why would anyone do this? For most, it’s all about the challenge and the laughs. “The worst decisions can lead to the best outcomes,” one organizer joked to Washingtonian.
With 418 runners already signed up, it seems that a mix of humor, chaos, and nacho cheese might be the perfect recipe for DC’s next viral race.