A Taco Bell Cantina on King Street will be the starting point and finish line for hundreds of runners competing in a “Taco Bell DC 50K” race next month.
Described as “the ultimate mix of endurance and spice,” the unlicensed event takes runners through a course of eight Taco Bell restaurants across Alexandria, Arlington and D.C., where they must eat at least one menu item per stop — Baja Blasts not included.
Over 500 participants have registered for the fast food-fueled endeavor, which kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Taco Bell Cantina on 417 King Street before heading to another Taco Bell at 231 S. Van Dorn Street.
The Old Town restaurant is also where runners — digestive systems willing — will ultimately return to cross the finish line within 11 hours, earning “eternal glory (and maybe heartburn),” plus an eventual “commemorative item,” yet to be announced.
Participation is free, but runners are required to purchase their own Taco Bell orders, which must include at least one Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme by the fourth stop, and one Burrito Supreme or Nachos BellGrande by the eighth stop.
Notably, “no on-course Pepto, Alka Seltzer, Pepcid A/C, Mylanta will be allowed,” according to a list of rules set by organizers Phil Hargis and Mike Wardian.
The spirit of the 50K “is to do something completely stupid,” they wrote. They describe the marathon as a “fat ass race” — a term referring to “an informal, low-key, and often free running event.”
The upcoming event is modeled after an annual Taco Bell-themed race in Denver that happened earlier this month.
“There will be hundreds of runners in this race, so the staff at the restaurants will be busy trying to help us and help their regular customers,” the organizers wrote. “So please order early and be patient and polite to their staff and leave the establishment in better condition, [than] when you entered.”
Registration is still open.
Photo via Google Earth.
