Introduction to the Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon
This weekend, hundreds of ultramarathoners in Colorado are hoping their legs don’t give up on them — and neither do their stomachs.
On Saturday, Oct. 4 in Denver, Colorado, the “International Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon” will take place. The race, now in its eighth year, is described as the “World’s Most Gastricly Demanding Ultramarathon” and asks its participants to run 50 kilometers (31.07 miles), stop at 10 Taco Bells and eat a menu item from at least nine of those stops, all in under 11 hours.
The Rules of the Ultramarathon
The rules state that drinks don’t count as food, and racers aren’t allowed to take Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer or other indigestion-related medicines. Runners must also keep receipts and wrappers “for confirmation of stupidity” as survivors of the athletic and gastrointestinal feat. Participants must have consumed at least one Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme by the fourth stop, and at least one Burrito Supreme or Nachos Bell Grande by the eighth.
Incentives for Participants
“SURVIVORS will eventually get a commemorative item after successful completion of the run,” the rules note. “If you intend to participate, RSVP your statement of intent. ONCE YOU RSVP, YOU ARE IN. THIS IS LIKE THE GOBLET OF FIRE.” There are special sidequests racers can undertake for special kudos: the “Diablo Challenge,” which involves covering all items consumed with ultra-spicy Diablo sauce and downing a “Diablo shooter” at the end; and the “Baja Blast Challenge,” which involves drinking two liters of Baja Blast during the run without vomiting.
The Creation of the Ultramarathon
You might be wondering who would sign up for such a torturous task. “The first few years, there were a handful of folks and then, you know, some different running groups heard about it, because we’re in Colorado,” Jason Romero, who co-created the race, tells TODAY.com, adding that sign-ups increased after news coverage. Romero came up with the idea with two running friends when one of them stopped in a Taco Bell to use the bathroom. That friend thought the fast-food chain would be an interesting (or potentially terrible) place to fuel up.
The Growth of the Ultramarathon
The race is not officially affiliated with Taco Bell or its parent company Yum! Brands (neither of whom responded to a request for comment), but it does have an official charity partner: Achilles International Denver Chapter. Proceeds go to disabled runners in the Denver area for race entry fees and running equipment. This year, people training for the ultramarathon have been posting about it on TikTok — like participant Vivi Armacost, whose video about it went viral — bringing the race even more attention. “It just kind of expanded,” says Romero. “Last year, there were 170 and this year, we have over 1,500 registrants.”
Safety Precautions
Although Romero expects about 40% of that number (about 600 people) to show up, the race is still gaining popularity at an exponential rate. “People have gotten scared about the hyper-growth,” Romero says. “But I’ve always said we’re not capping it.” “We have had zero accidents on the course, and we have four values that we have for the run,” he continues, adding that they take special precautions to make sure that every participant is safe. “Each Taco Bell is roughly three miles apart from each other, and part of our rules are that no runner is to be able to be out on the course alone.”
Previous Winners and Nutrition
Last year, professional ultrarunner Sage Canaday came in first place, running and eating his way through the course in a record time of 4:28. According to research, over half of ultrarunners get nauseated during races, and while eating Taco Bell doesn’t seem like it would help with this, Romero begs to differ. “It actually works really well,” he says.”‘You have the fat, the grease, the protein. It actually is very good for long distance running.” As for the Taco Bell locations along the route, they’re aware hundreds of runners are about to eat them out of their seasoned beef supply, according to Romero.
Conclusion
The Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon is a unique and challenging event that pushes participants to their limits. With its growing popularity and charitable component, it’s an event that’s sure to continue to attract attention and participants. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or just looking for a new challenge, the Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon is an event that’s sure to test your endurance and your stomach.
FAQs
Q: What is the Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon?
A: The Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon is a 50-kilometer run that requires participants to stop at 10 Taco Bell locations and eat a menu item from at least nine of those stops.
Q: What are the rules of the ultramarathon?
A: The rules state that drinks don’t count as food, and racers aren’t allowed to take Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer or other indigestion-related medicines. Runners must also keep receipts and wrappers “for confirmation of stupidity” as survivors of the athletic and gastrointestinal feat.
Q: How many participants are expected to show up?
A: Although over 1,500 people have registered, Romero expects about 40% of that number (about 600 people) to show up.
Q: Is the event officially affiliated with Taco Bell?
A: No, the event is not officially affiliated with Taco Bell or its parent company Yum! Brands.
Q: What is the charitable component of the event?
A: The event has an official charity partner: Achilles International Denver Chapter. Proceeds go to disabled runners in the Denver area for race entry fees and running equipment.
