From Fat Jokes to Fitness: 2 Bears 5K Transforms Lives in Tampa

A self-deprecating jest between comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura on Joe Rogan’s podcast has morphed into a life-changing annual 5K, drawing thousands to Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Far from a typical race, the 2 Bears 5K invites fans to jog, sip a beer, and embrace a lighthearted approach to fitness.

The event’s origins lie in a weight-loss challenge sparked on the Joe Rogan Experience, where Kreischer and Segura traded playful jabs about their physiques. What began as banter has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, blending camaraderie with wellness. “We fat-shamed each other on the world’s biggest platform,” Kreischer chuckled, noting the event’s unexpected evolution.

Beyond the run, participants enjoy spear-throwing, post-race recovery, and a festive atmosphere. Segura quipped, “It’s about doing something good for yourself, then negating it with a party.” The low-pressure vibe has inspired remarkable transformations, none more poignant than country star Jelly Roll’s journey. Starting 2024 unable to walk a mile, he completed the 5K in May and has since shed 183 pounds, inspiring others like a woman who lost 120 pounds and another who dropped from 500 pounds.

High-profile attendees, including Super Bowl champion Jason Kelce and Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, added star power. Kreischer and Segura, meanwhile, continue to dominate comedy, with Segura’s Sledgehammer special and Kreischer’s Lucky keeping fans laughing. Their message? Fitness can be fun, and change starts with a single step—or a well-timed joke.