Real Nova Network by Chris Colgan

Driving the news:
According to The Washingtonian, two local endurance runners—Phil Hargis and Mike Wardian—are staging the Taco Bell 50K on Saturday, November 29. It’s an ultramarathon that covers roughly 31 miles across Alexandria, Arlington, and DC with nine mandatory Taco Bell stops. Participants must eat at least one menu item at each stop and keep the receipts to prove it.

Why it matters:
This isn’t your typical ultra. It’s a low-stakes, high-community challenge that welcomes walkers and joggers, blends urban sightseeing with a food gauntlet, and is tailor-made for shareable stories.

How it works:

• Start/finish at the Taco Bell Cantina, 417 King St, Alexandria, VA.

• Visit nine Taco Bell locations in order; route between stops is up to you.

• Eat at least one menu item at each stop; drinks alone don’t count.

• Time limit: 11 hours. Keep receipts/wrappers as proof.

• No antacids during the event (Pepto, Alka-Seltzer, etc.).

• Not officially sponsored by Taco Bell—bring your own support.

Required menu milestones:

• By Stop #4: a Crunchwrap Supreme or Chalupa Supreme.

• By Stop #8: a Burrito Supreme or Nachos BellGrande.

By the numbers:

• Distance: ~31–32 miles (slightly over a classic 50K if you follow the published GPX).

• Stops: 9 Taco Bell locations.

• Pace math: With an 11-hour cutoff, a ~20-minute-per-mile average (including ordering/eating) will get you home.

Route at a glance (published order):

1. 417 King St, Alexandria, VA (start)

2. 231 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA

3. 4923 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA

4. 2039 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA

5. 3100 14th St NW Ste 103, Washington, DC

6. 1412 U St NW, Washington, DC

7. 808 7th St NW, Washington, DC

8. 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC

9. Return to 417 King St, Alexandria, VA (finish)

What they’re saying:
Organizers describe it as a “low-stakes ultra” meant to be fun and inclusive. One summed up the ethos like this: the worst decisions sometimes lead to the best outcomes.

Between the lines:
The Taco Bell 50K sits at the intersection of fitness, food challenge, and urban exploration. It’s part endurance test, part scavenger hunt, part social event—less about PRs and more about camaraderie and creative problem-solving (navigating, ordering efficiently, pacing digestion).

If you go (quick prep checklist):

• Practice your stops: Simulate short breaks every 3–4 miles and eat something simple so your stomach isn’t surprised.

• Order strategy: Mobile-order ahead to minimize downtime; pick items you know you can keep down.

• Pacing plan: Budget time for lines and eating—build a cushion early.

• Gear: Layers for late-November temps, a small waist pack for receipts/wrappers, wet wipes, and a soft flask for water.

• Recovery: Gentle walk later in the day, light, non-greasy dinner, and extra hydration.

What to watch:

• Weather swing: DC in late November can mean cold starts and afternoon wind—dress accordingly.

• Crowds at urban stores: Lines can eat your clock; have a backup order and be decisive.

• Stomach management: Salt, simple carbs, and steady fluids help; avoid “new to you” menu items on race day.

The bottom line:
The Taco Bell 50K is less Boston, more “bold weekend story.” If you’ve wanted to try an ultra without the pressure—and you’re game to pair mileage with menu items—this is the DMV’s most memorable way to do it.

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