Denver Ultramarathon Fuels Runners with Taco Bell Stops
The International Taco Bell 50K in Denver challenges runners to complete a 31-mile ultramarathon while eating at 10 Taco Bell locations. This year’s event, held on October 3, marked its ninth edition, drawing hundreds of participants.
A Unique Challenge
Runners must consume specific menu items at designated stops, including a Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme by the fourth stop and a Burrito Supreme or Nachos BellGrande by the eighth. The course includes 11 Taco Bell stops, with wrappers and receipts serving as proof of completion.
The event bans common stomach remedies like Pepto Bismol and Alka-Seltzer, adding to the challenge. Optional add-ons include the Diablo Sauce and two-liter Baja Blast challenges, testing runners’ limits further.
From Joke to Phenomenon
Co-founders Dan Zolnikov and Mike Oliva conceived the idea while running with Achilles Denver, a group supporting athletes with disabilities. What began as a joke about hitting multiple Taco Bells over 30 miles evolved into a full-fledged event, thanks to fellow runner Jason Romero.
Early editions started at 7 a.m. from a breakfast-serving location, with the course direction alternating annually as a nod to traditional ultramarathons. However, this tradition was dropped as participation grew to avoid confusion.
The event’s rulebook has remained largely unchanged since 2018, with the only update being the removal of cuss words. Initially organized via Facebook invites, last year’s race attracted over 700 participants, requiring a significant volunteer effort to manage intersections, Taco Bell stops, and course logistics.
Zolnikov emphasizes the event’s core values: Safety, Community, Fun, and Free. The absence of a registration fee removes financial barriers, leaving runners with only their personal commitment to complete the challenge.
For many, the event’s appeal lies in its absurdity—running 31 miles and consuming Taco Bell 10 times in a day. Zolnikov notes the diverse participants, from first-time ultrarunners to those traveling from other states and countries.
The event’s lighthearted nature, combined with the physical demands of the course, creates a memorable experience. Denver’s unpredictable October weather and the digestive challenges of frequent eating add layers of difficulty not found in conventional 50Ks.
Taco Bell locations along the route have adapted to the influx of runners, with some opening early and increasing staff to handle pre-orders. Zolnikov’s check-ins with store managers confirmed that both employees and runners enjoyed the experience, with no reported issues.
Despite its growth, Zolnikov is committed to keeping the race unsanctioned and unaffiliated with Taco Bell, preserving its grassroots charm.
The race’s connection to Achilles Denver remains strong, with participants from the group completing the 50K alongside seasoned ultrarunners. This blend of community and challenge defines the event, where the last finisher receives the coveted DFL award—a Taco Bell hot sauce packet from Europe.
Digestive Endurance and Physical Limits
The International Taco Bell 50K tests runners’ digestive limits, requiring them to consume fast food at regular intervals while covering 31 miles. This challenge goes beyond physical endurance, as participants must manage their stomachs’ capacity for repeated meals.
Community and Inclusivity
The event’s roots in Achilles Denver remain a core aspect of its identity. The race attracts a diverse range of participants, from seasoned ultrarunners to first-timers, united by a shared love of running and community.
