In January 2026, a new running phenomenon took root within the ultrarunning community—the Burrito League. This informal competition is capturing the attention of thousands across the United States, along with participants in Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, all eager to maximize their mileage on specific segments as they vie for ultimate bragging rights and delectable prizes. As the month progresses, the league has spurred a unique blend of camaraderie and competition, reminiscent of historical long-distance pedestrianism.
The Origins of the Burrito League
The Burrito League traces its roots back to earlier challenges instigated by the well-known Mexican restaurant Chipotle and the fitness tracking app Strava. In the years 2024 and 2025, these two giants collaborated to entice runners into tackling designated segments for the chance to win substantial rewards, including an entire year’s worth of free burritos.
During the inaugural challenge in 2024, participants spread across the nation recorded impressive distances, with some runners amassing close to 450 miles. The following year, in 2025, the competition intensified as athletes Kevin Russ and Jamil Coury pushed their limits, both completing over 750 miles on a mere 0.2-mile stretch in Tempe, Arizona. After a grueling battle that culminated at the stroke of midnight on January 31, Coury emerged triumphant, capturing the top title and raising the stakes for future events.
A Historical Context
Interestingly, the allure of long-distance running isn’t new. From the late 18th to the 19th century, long-distance pedestrianism flourished as a highly popular sport in the U.K. Captain Robert Barclay Allardice, a notable figure of that era, once walked a mile every hour for 1,000 hours. As pedestrianism made its way to the United States, competitors participated in various multiday events, completing grueling distances often in the presence of enthusiastic spectators and wagering that added a layer of excitement.
However, as the 20th century advanced, the proliferation of bicycles siphoned off interest from pedestrianism, leading to a decline in these events. Despite the change in public interest, multiday races carried on, albeit at a significantly reduced scale compared to their earlier heyday.
The Birth of the 2026 Burrito League
As 2026 began, many in the running community anticipated the return of the Chipotle Burrito Challenge along Arizona’s Mill Avenue. However, this year, neither Chipotle nor Strava hosted the event, leaving many to wonder if the challenges of the past would be realized. In light of this absence, Coury, alongside Russ and a dedicated team of volunteers, quickly organized the Burrito League, launching the event at midnight on January 6, 2026.
With prizes such as a year’s supply of burritos, entry into the challenging Cocodona 250 Mile, and various sponsorships up for grabs, competitors eagerly joined the league. It wasn’t long before ‘chapters’ of the Burrito League began emerging across the globe, further solidifying the league’s engagement within the long-distance running community.
Engagement and Participation
The league took another step by utilizing modern technology to broadcast the excitement. Mountain Outpost, a well-known YouTube channel, began livestreaming the activities surrounding the Tempe segment, creating a sense of connectivity among participants and adding a layer of engagement previously unseen in earlier iteration challenges. As of January 21, 2026, reports indicated that 244 athletes had logged a staggering 27,429 runs on the Tempe segment alone, culminating in over 5,317 miles traversed.
While the Burrito League may not have the throngs of spectators typical of 19th-century pedestrian races, it has cultivated a spirit of competition and community bonding rarely witnessed. Runners of various levels are finding joy in the challenge and sharing their journeys, fostering an environment of mutual support.
Reflecting on the Future
As January draws to a close, many are eagerly contemplating the implications of the Burrito League for the future of pedestrianism and ultrarunning. Will this grassroots movement simply fade away once the month concludes, or will it pave the way for more structured and innovative running challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Burrito League has undoubtedly reignited interest in fun, competitive long-distance running, linking participants through a shared appreciation of endurance and the joy of running.
AJW’s Beer of the Week
To help recuperate after a long day of running and segmenting, be sure to unwind with a refreshing drink. This week’s featured beer comes from Goldwater Brewing Company in Tempe, Arizona. Their Machine Gun Teddy is a delicious brown ale that boasts a smooth texture and a hint of caramel, making it the perfect beverage to savor after a rigorous day on the trails.
Call for Community Engagement
- Are you currently participating in the Burrito League this January?
- Have you been involved in any other unique and fun running challenges? We’d love to hear your experiences!
