Taco Bell 50K: The Ultimate Test of Endurance and Digestion

The 9th annual International Taco Bell 50K ultramarathon in Denver presents a unique and demanding test for its participants, combining a 30-plus-mile race with the requirement to consume Taco Bell menu items at multiple stops along the course. This unofficial event, not sanctioned by the fast-food chain itself, pushes the limits of athletic performance and digestive fortitude.

Runners must visit at least nine of the ten designated Taco Bell locations on the route and finish a menu item at each. The rules dictate specific menu items must be consumed by certain points in the race. By the fourth stop, competitors are required to have eaten either a Chalupa Supreme or a Crunchwrap Supreme. By the eighth stop, a Burrito Supreme or Nachos Bell Grande must be finished. The only exceptions are drinks, which do not count towards the food requirement.

To complete the race, participants must finish within an 11-hour time limit without vomiting or using any over-the-counter digestive aids such as Pepto-Bismol, Alka-Seltzer, Pepcid AC, or Mylanta. The race reportedly has a higher dropout rate than the Leadville 100 Trail Race, highlighting its extreme difficulty.

Adding to the challenge, the event takes place in Denver, a city at a high altitude. This factor complicates the already arduous task of running 30 miles while processing a significant amount of fast food.

For those seeking an even greater challenge, optional elements can be added. The Baja Blast Challenge requires runners to consume two liters of the soda throughout the race. An even more extreme option is the Diablo challenge, which involves eating each item with Diablo sauce and finishing with a Diablo shooter at the end of the race. Competitors are warned against using any digestive aids during the race.

Unlike other extreme endurance events, the International Taco Bell 50K is driven purely by participants' dedication to the unique challenge, rather than official corporate endorsement. The race's demanding nature and unconventional requirements have led some to humorously suggest it should be considered for Olympic inclusion.