Runners are about to push the limits of endurance and digestion in Colorado. The ninth International Taco Bell 50k Ultramarathon is set to take place this Saturday in Denver, though the insane 31-mile race itself kicks off bright and early at 7:30 a.m. local time Sunday. This isn’t just about speed, though, folks. This is about stomach fortitude like you’ve never seen, challenging participants to combine serious mileage with serious fast food consumption.
The Rules of Engagement: More Than Just Running
Forget your gels and protein bars, this race has a whole different kind of fuel. The 31-mile course winds past no less than 11 branches of the iconic fast-food franchise. The catch? You’re required to stop and eat at a minimum of ten of those eleven locations. And we’re not talking about just grabbing a soft taco. Mandatory menu items include either a Chalupa Supreme or a Crunchwrap Supreme, *as well as* a Burrito Supreme or Nachos Bell Grande at each stop. This isn’t just for fun, either; the organizers clearly state this event is *not* sponsored or endorsed by Taco Bell itself, which honestly makes it even wilder. Oh, and you’ve got to finish the entire thing in under 11 hours. Think that’s tough? Get this: dietary aids like Pepto, Alka Seltzer, and Mylanta are completely off-limits during the run. Absolutely brutal.
Think That’s Hard? Try the Diablo and Baja Blast Challenges
If the standard 50k with mandatory Chalupas isn’t enough to make you reconsider your life choices, there are two additional levels of gastronomic madness. First up, the Diablo Challenge. Participants are “encouraged” to absolutely slather all their mandatory food items with Diablo sauce and then, just for kicks, do a Diablo shooter at the finish. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? Then there’s the Baja Blast Challenge, which demands runners drink two liters of that iconic soda without, well, without *vomiting*. Let that sink in. It’s no wonder race organizers throw out a crucial piece of advice on the sign-up page: “it is a good idea to engage in gastric training” before you even think about participating. If you’re not in Denver, but this level of delicious torture somehow appeals, East Coast runners can look forward to a similar 50k event happening the day after Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C.
So yeah, while the rest of us are just dreaming about a late-night Crunchwrap, some brave (or crazy?) souls in Denver are gearing up to make it a key part of a 31-mile ordeal. Better start that gastric training if you ever plan on joining this wild ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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