Group of people participating in a festive event outside a taco restaurant, dressed in fun costumes including sombrero and avocado, smiling and eating tacos, with other spectators on the sidewalk.
Three white worms on a black background.
Three white worms or caterpillars on a black background.

Our Mission –

Walk. Eat. Fiesta.

The Taco 5K™ was created to celebrate community, local business, and the simple joy of tacos.
We wanted to break the mold of typical 5Ks — something less about speed and more about shared experience.

We’re starting in Encinitas, but this is just the beginning. The goal? Bring the Taco 5K™ to cities across the country, one taco at a time.

Get Tickets!

Meet Mike Daynes — The Man Behind The Taco 5K™

Part foodie, part adventurer, and full-time community-builder, Mike Daynes turned a simple idea into a movement.

“I’ve always believed that life’s best memories come from trying new things with good people. A few years ago, my friends and I couldn’t decide which taco shop was best, so we started visiting several in one day — one taco per stop, lots of laughter, and plenty of debate over whose salsa reigned supreme. It reminded me of my 2022 challenge, when I surfed every surf break in San Diego County — 116 surf spots in 79 days — just to experience it all.

The Taco 5K™ is that same spirit on a bigger scale: a fun, community-driven event that brings people together to explore, taste, and celebrate the amazing local taco scene. I’ve spent my career organizing large-scale live events around the world, but this one’s close to home — it’s my way of giving back, one taco at a time.”

— Mike Daynes, Founder of The Taco 5K™

A smiling man with a backpack hiking on a trail in a forest surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains.
Silhouette of two palm trees on a small island against a black background.
A person sitting at a desk with a laptop, wearing headphones, in a home office setting.
A cartoon taco character running with a 5K race bib, smiling, wearing sneakers, a headband, and gloves.

Follow Our Journey

Get a taste of what’s coming — follow @TheTaco5K for behind-the-scenes previews, partner taco highlights, and contest announcements.

You don’t need running buddies. You need taco buddies. 🌮😎 Walk, snack, and laugh your way through The World’s Slowest 5K! 📅 Jan 24, 2026 | Encinitas, CA 🎟️ thetaco5k.com #TheTaco5K #TacoRun #EncinitasEvents #CommunityFun
Behind every great 5K… there’s an even greater taco. 🌮🔥 A huge shoutout to the incredible local taco shops that make The Taco 5K possible! From classic carne asada to crispy fish tacos, these Encinitas icons bring the flavor, heart, a
They’re not just taco shops, they’re Encinitas taco royalty. 👑🌮 Meet the incredible local legends bringing the flavor to The Taco 5K! From crispy classics to saucy favorites, each stop adds a unique twist to your taco-fueled adventure