Prepare for an unforgettable challenge where gastronomic adventure meets ultra-running endurance at the Taco Bell 50K Knoxville on February 28, 2026, in Knoxville, TN. This isn't your typical 50K; it's a unique urban ultra that promises a full day of running and strategic refueling, all while navigating the scenic (and sometimes hilly) streets and greenways of Knoxville. Runners can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 56°F and lows near 33°F, alongside a 21% chance of precipitation, making for potentially crisp and invigorating running weather.

The course is designed as an "urban ultra," guiding participants through Knoxville's landscape, utilizing sidewalks and greenways where available, and requiring adherence to pedestrian traffic rules. What truly sets this 50K apart is its ingenious "aid station" concept: a series of eight Taco Bell locations strategically placed along the route. To qualify as a finisher, runners must consume at least one menu item at each Taco Bell stop, with specific food challenges mandated at certain points—like a Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme by the third or fourth stop, and a Burrito Supreme or Nachos Bell Grande by the sixth or eighth. Participants are even required to keep all receipts and wrappers as proof of their journey.

Dubbed "Type 2 fun," the Taco Bell 50K Knoxville is renowned for being equal parts ridiculous and brilliant, testing not just physical stamina but also gastrointestinal fortitude. It's an unconventional, unsanctioned event that has grown from a joke among ultrarunners into a celebrated annual tradition, drawing participants seeking an absurd yet exhilarating challenge. Runners are encouraged to wear 360-degree reflective vests for safety on this open-to-traffic course, and for those planning their race strategy, remember that on-course anti-acids are strictly prohibited. The start and finish line is located at The Long Run on Sutherland Ave, where survivors will undoubtedly share tales of their extraordinary culinary and athletic accomplishment.