What event involves Taco Bell, edible medals and 31+ miles? If you answered, the Taco Bell 50K event, you’d be correct! On May 31, 50 participants ran 31+ miles through the Twin Cities metro with seven stops at Border Foods’ Taco Bell restaurants along the way!
Described as “nacho average marathon,” the course took participants on a loop through the Twin Cities, beginning at our Taco Bell in Bloomington, MN and ending in St. Paul. Stops along the run included Taco Bells in Richfield, Edina and Minneapolis.
This quirky ultra is all about combining fitness, food and fun!
Julie Knopp is the runner behind the Twin Cities version of this race, and says her goal was for the day to be “as weird and magical as possible.” In keeping with that mission, unconventional race packets included Taco Bell-themed stickers and race bibs, hot sauce packets, and temporary “Run Más” tattoos. How far-reaching is this Taco Bell-themed race lore? One runner flew in from Alaska just for this event!
Huge shoutout to the small but mighty volunteer team that made the first ever Twin Cities Taco Bell 50K possible! There was a makeshift aid station between two of the stops, where a person dressed in a taco costume could be seen handing out water, Gatorade and fruit.
Speaking of food, one might wonder how a person can run over 31 miles while taking taco breaks. The key to completing a Taco Bell 50K run successfully was to eat light food between stops, like Cinnamon Twists and Cheesy Roll Ups — nothing too heavy on the stomach. There are two food items participants were required to eat before completing the race: one Burrito and a Crunchwrap. Once participants crossed the finish line, racers were awarded with taco-flavored cookie medals.
While this is the first time this run has been hosted in Minnesota, there is one in Denver, CO that has been running (pun intended!) for some time. Will they be crazy enough to do it again in 2026? Stay tuned!
