Run, Eat, Adopt, Repeat: What more could you want? Meet Berthoud's first-ever 10k.

NOCO its time to get your running feet and your taste buds ready because the newest 10k is coming to Berthoud, Colorado, and it's not just any 10k. 

Have you heard of the Barkley Marathon, the elusive endurance race that feels more like an urban legend than a real endurance competition? Where you spend your time running in circles through the forest collecting book pages for days on end? Or the Taco Bell 50K,  some of you may have even participated in this one right in Denver.  Which combines endurance running with TEN required Taco Bell stops. Yes, you read that right. You are required to eat Taco Bell at at least 9 of the 10 stops along the course.

If these races sound like a great time but maybe a little too intense for you, get ready because that same quirky energy is coming to Berthoud, Colorado, with its first-ever 10K. And this isn't just any 10K. It is a gastro-dash.

August 8th 2026, the Eat. Run. Adopt 10K is making its debut in Berthoud. This race will take place in downtown Berthoud, and over 6.2 miles, you get to see most of the main town while munching on snacks from local businesses along the way.

So aside from the urban legend that is the Taco Bell 50K, what is a gastro-dash?

A gastro-dash is part race, part food-eating competition. Along the course of the 6.2-mile run, there will be mandatory food stops, each supporting a local business.

Gastro Dash

While the Taco Bell 50K boasts the near-impossible combination of endurance, both physical and mental, of eating and running, the Eat, Run, Adopt 10K brings a much more wholesome approach to the gastro-dash. The heart behind this race is to support local and bring the community together, not boast a large DNF (Did Not Finish) percentage. Something unique about the Eat, Run, Adopt 10K is that all the food stops will feature sample-size portions, making the challenge fun and approachable for runners of all experience levels.

The food will come from local businesses, making this even better, including Dish Creamery, Off The Leash Dirty Soda,

Happy Eating Asian Cafe, Taco Man,

Turners BBQ, Derby Grille, Canine Candy,

The Waidelich Farm, Chef JB, and Trailhead Cafe.

Instead of seeing how much you can physically eat, you will get to enjoy the flavors and meet local businesses along the way. All the samples will be bite-sized portions and should be easily enjoyed during your race, but if you need or want to hold onto them and eat them right before the finish line, no one will knock your race strategy. Whether you're racing for a personal best or simply there for the experience, this event is designed to be just as much about the journey as the finish line.

So why bring this race to Berthoud, Colorado?

Well, partially because there had never been one before. Rosey Vaughn wanted to bring something unique to downtown Berthoud, a town small enough that the course will wind through downtown, giving runners a chance to experience the whole community. Like so much of Northern Colorado, the community itself is active, loves dogs, and loves supporting local businesses. Making this unique experience part of the local ecosystem helps make Berthoud a destination within Northern Colorado, and hopefully, over the years, people from NOCO and beyond will come to Berthoud to Eat, Run, and Adopt while supporting local businesses and helping rescue puppies. Ideally, this will also bring more business to the downtown Berthoud area as people browse the shops and restaurants before and after the race.

What makes this race unique?

This race isn't just a fun day out. It is also a fundraiser for Scroungy Dog Pretty Pups Rescue. When asked why she chose to donate to this cause, Rosey again tied the race and its purpose back to the local community.

Meet your newest friend

As an animal lover herself and good friends with the owner of Berthoud Pet Supply (check out this local business for all your pet needs after you adopt your new pet), it just made sense to donate a portion of the race proceeds to Scroungy Dog Pretty Pups Rescue.

Another unique aspect focuses on our families; this race is offering free childcare for kids 8 years old and younger. The care will be provided by Raising Daisies, a licensed childcare provider in Berthoud. So if you often have to skip events just for you because your kids are with you ( I know I do), don't let that make you sit this one out. If you would rather have your kids by your side, kids and dogs can run the race for free but also receive a bib.

Rosey Vaughn and the Eat, Run, Adopt 10K are bringing Northern Colorado the perfect combination of things NOCO loves: being active (yes, you will run a full 10K), eating delicious food, supporting local (along the course, you will stop to taste food from local restaurants), and helping our four-legged friends (the race supports Scroungy Dog Pretty Pups Rescue). It is a race where finishing isn't just about crossing the finish line. It is about discovering local favorites, celebrating the community, and making a difference one bite at a time.

Ready to be part of this movement?

Use code RUNCLUB for 20%

off registration.

The race is coming up on August 8th, and sign-ups are open now. Don't wait; let's get ready to Eat, Run, Adopt, and celebrate!

Register Here