Two of Arlington’s Taco Bell locations are expected to host hundreds of runners the last weekend of November during a 50K race fueled by Tex-Mex.
The Taco Bell DC 50K — an unlicensed event billed as both “the ultimate mix of endurance and spice” and “something completely stupid” — will take contestants on a roughly 32-mile loop, visiting eight Taco Bell locations in Northern Virginia and D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 29.
This includes Arlington establishments at 2039 Wilson Blvd, in the Courthouse area, and 4923 Langston Blvd, in the Yorktown neighborhood. Starting at 8 a.m., runners have 11 hours to eat a menu item at each stop — including at least two larger items, like a Crunchwrap Supreme and Nachos BellGrande — and drinks don’t count.
The event is free and finishers will earn a commemorative item and “eternal glory” in addition to possible heartburn and stomach problems, made all the more likely since organizers are banning over-the-counter relief such as Pepto-Bismol and Alka-Seltzer.
Organizers call the event a “fat ass” race and it’s inspired by a similar event that took place in Denver earlier this month. Over 400 people have signed up so far.
“These events emphasize community and camaraderie over competition and are best summarized by the unofficial slogan, ‘No Fees, No Aid, No Wimps,'” an event FAQ says.
Entrants must keep all receipts and wrappers to prove they actually ate at all eight Taco Bell spots. Organizers recommend ordering in advance for the first two or three stops to avoid delays.
The Langston Blvd location is No. 3 on the course, followed by the Wilson Blvd spot.
There’s no official route that runners must follow, but the race will take contestants north from S. Van Dorn Street in Alexandria to Langston Blvd, and south from around George Mason Memorial Bridge to the final Taco Bell stop in Old Town.
“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,” 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 for the Taco Bell DC 50K is still open.
