TWV Taco 20k Challenge

It's been 2 1/2 years since a brave few accepted the challenge of the Baker's Dozen Half Marathon, and ate 13 donuts over the course of 13 miles, all in the name of helping families in need. Now the stakes are higher - the steak...er...carne asada is hotter. I present:

The Taco 20k Challenge

Participants can choose to join us in taking on the full 20k challenge, that is, run 12 miles and consume a taco before each mile; or you can take on a smaller challenge, a 10k or 5k, even run/walk a single mile. No distance lacks glory or purpose. In fact everyone will run with purpose, because any and all donations given toward the Taco 20k Challenge will go directly to World Vision's efforts to bring access to safe, clean water to places in the world where families currently have to resort to dangerously unclean water sources, often shared with livestock and contaminated with parasites or other water-borne diseases.

What to expect

A taco party, of course! Tacos will abound (for purchase), music, games - and we're extremely excited to welcome special guest, our friend, the Chicago Donut Company, selling fresh hot donuts for dessert.

All are welcome, runners, walkers, spectators, and taco enthusiasts. Don't want to run or walk? Just come hang out and grab a taco!

How does it work?

Sign up here for your intended Challenge distance. Your only entry fee is the cost of your tacos! The tacos will be waiting for you, warm and delicious, on race day. You can choose to pay in advance or at check-in. Any donations made above and beyond the cost of tacos will go directly to World Vision. After that, it's down to eating and running.

Estimated cost (pending):

• 1-mile: suggested $25 donation, includes a taco!
• 5k: $12 for tacos (suggested donation: $50)
• 10k: $24 for tacos (suggested donation: $100)
• 20k: $45 for tacos (suggested donation: $200)

Donations are entirely optional - we don't want anything to prevent you from joining us - but anything is very much appreciated!

What do I win?

...Tacos? This is a challenge, not necessarily a race. In fact, speed may not be on your side. That said, nominal awards will be given to the first to complete the challenge, and (entirely subjectively) to the individual exhibiting the most impressive endurance.

Where do we run?

The challenge will be based at Brookfield's 8 Corners, between Washington and Grand. The "course" is a simple 1-mile loop. It may seem repetitive, but you have to swing by to pick up your taco every mile. West along Washington, south on Kenman, east on Lincoln, and northeast on Broadway back to 8 Corners.

Where does the money go?

All donations will be collected via Venmo, and then a final donation will be made to World Vision after the event. We're doing this to 1) avoid unnecessary processing fees and maximize the amount donated, 2) recoup the cost of tacos, and 3) give you the option of receiving a tax-exempt donation receipt by email.

What is (Team) World Vision?

Team World Vision is a fitness-based fundraising team that brings people together around endurance events to raise awareness and support for World Vision: a global humanitarian organization. World Vision partners with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Thousands of both beginner and experienced athletes join together each year at events across the country to do their part to combat the global water crisis, promote health and nutrition, and help elevate communities out of poverty.

Can I just donate and not run/walk?

Of course - we would be honored! If you aren't participating (or just don't need tacos), you can donate to World Vision directly using the link below. This page is related to my current effort to raise support for World Vision through running next year's Tokyo Marathon.

Donate here

_{Race icon courtesy of Beef Vectors by Vecteezy}