On November 29, local endurance runners Phil Hargis and Mike Wardian are set to host a wild and whimsical ultramarathon known as the Taco Bell 50K.
This 31.07-mile race is designed for those who dare to combine their love for running with Taco Bell’s menu, as participants will be stopping at nine different Taco Bell locations to eat at least one menu item at each stop.
The peculiar race, which is “not sponsored by Taco Bell, just fueled by it,” has garnered attention through its engaging Instagram announcements.
As runners progress through the race, there are specific food requirements based on the number of stops: by stop four, each participant must consume at least a Crunchwrap Supreme or a Chalupa Supreme, and by the eighth stop, they must also finish a Nachos BellGrande or a Burrito Supreme.
Adding to the stakes is a strict rule: no Pepto or Alka Seltzer is allowed, and participants who vomit will be disqualified.
For those who make it to the finish line, survivors can expect to receive a “commemorative item” and the sheer satisfaction of completing what the organizers describe as a “completely stupid” challenge.
Inspired by curiosity, one participant eagerly signed up for the event, despite initial concerns about the physical tolls and potential nausea associated with such a peculiar ultramarathon.
His friend, who also registered, expressed alarm upon learning about the infamous Taco Bell 50K’s high “did not finish” rate, reportedly higher than the grueling Leadville 100.
While initially dismissing these fears as exaggerated, the participant began to understand the unique challenges posed by combining endurance running with Taco Bell’s offerings.
Gastrointestinal distress is a prevalent concern in endurance sports, and the addition of burritos and tacos only complicates the scenario.
In an attempt to ease some of his worries, he reached out to race organizers for reassurance.
Phil Hargis offered an encouraging perspective: “The worst decisions can lead to the best outcomes.”
Mike Wardian, offering similar encouragement, suggested that potential participants shouldn’t be intimidated by the challenge: “There’s no cost, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and you might surprise yourself about how far you can go.”
Wardian reassured the participant that even walking the race could lead to a successful finish within the designated 11-hour cutoff.
His dedication to making the Taco Bell 50K a community-focused event shines through in his comments about the spirit of the race: “We want it to just be about getting people outside, doing something fun together, having a laugh.”
Despite not having participated in the Denver version of the Taco Bell 50K, Wardian’s enthusiasm for food-related running challenges is palpable.
He shared experiences from his past, referencing a variety of quirky running events including beer miles and the famous Krispy Kreme challenge, eager to highlight the fun and hilarity of these food-fueled runs.
However, he also acknowledged the importance of proper preparation, emphasizing the need for runners to acclimate to running with food in their stomachs.
Wardian, who identifies as vegan, has not eaten at Taco Bell in nearly two decades, so he plans to experiment with various menu items in advance to ensure he knows what will work for him on race day.
As the participant delved deeper into the planning process, he sought out additional strategies for success on the challenging course.
Wardian advised keeping orders simple and opting for the least spicy menu options to avoid any stomach issues that could arise mid-race.
On the day of the event, both Wardian and Hargis intend to utilize the Taco Bell app for pre-ordering to minimize wait times at each location, allowing them to focus on the running experience.
Hargis expressed excitement about the number of participants who are also first-time ultramarathon runners, highlighting that the Taco Bell 50K could serve as an accessible entry point into the world of ultrarunning.
He noted, “It’s just a good chance to get together and have some fun,” reiterating the event’s primary focus on camaraderie and fun.
Wardian, having just completed the Marine Corps Marathon, recounted how fellow runners enthusiastically approached him to share their excitement about participating in the Taco Bell-themed challenge.
The participant initially entered the conversation filled with doubt, evaluating whether he should commit to the race.
With newfound encouragement and a sense of community, he felt increasingly committed, despite lingering concerns about disqualification due to the possibility of vomiting.
Wardian’s humorous uncertainty regarding the enforcement of disqualification for vomiting brought a sense of levity to the situation and cemented the participant’s determination.
With the guidelines clear but enforcement ambiguous, he realized that nothing could stop him from completing the Taco Bell 50K—a race for which he feels wholly unprepared, but now, fully committed.
image source from：washingtonian
