5 Boro Pizza Challenge

Five slices. Five boros. One day.
(And six feet apart)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

People eating pizza 2016

CAN'T STOP NYC PIZZA

New York City’s buzzed-about tradition is now in its fifth year, bringing together the world's most die-hard pizza enthusiasts for a challenge like no other.

We've had to change a few things to keep participants and pizzeria workers safe. But the spirit of the event remains unchanged, because the pandemic #CantStopPizza.

The 5 Boro Pizza Challenge is competitive eating meets The Amazing Race; the ultimate test of not only your ability to navigate the five boroughs, but also your gastrointestinal fortitude. And all for a great cause.

how to participate in 2020

Here’s what you need to know about the 5 Boro Pizza Challenge in 2020:

The safety of our community comes first, so we’re limiting the 2020 field to just 50 participants. All participants must abide by New York City guidelines related to masks and physical distancing. See official FAQs about face coverings here.

We’ve created two ways to complete the challenge. When you snag your ticket, tell us how you’ll complete the 5 Boro Pizza Challenge:

NYC Competitor: If you're ready to hit up five pizzerias in five boroughs, you’ll be an NYC Competitor. There will be no start line or finish line; you will start and end where you like. The five select slice shops will be announced via email and social media on 10/24 at 11 a.m. sharp. The winner will be the first person/team to post their NYC five slice photos on social media with the #5boropizzachallenge tag. Slice Enthusiast: If you can’t be in NYC for this year’s event—or if you’re just not comfortable traversing the boros—you can participate in a format and at a pace that suits you. Eat five slices anywhere, anytime during the month of October (which happens to be National Pizza Month). The pandemic #CantStopPizza, so it’s up to you how to participate.

People eating pizza 2017
People eating pizza 2017

LIMITED TICKETS & LUXE SWAG

Registration is extremely limited in 2020; only 50 tickets are available for purchase—including both NYC Competitor and Slice Enthusiast participants. Each $50 includes:
A 5 Boro Pizza Challenge Carharrt beanie A custom lightweight packable daypack A limited edition pennant Other great surprises
Swag will be delivered to all participants via USPS to the mailing address provided at registration. Sign up by October 10th to receive your swag package before the date of the event. Participants cover the cost of pizza and transportation. All proceeds from the 5 Boro Pizza Challenge benefit Transportation Alternatives.

5 BORO PIZZA CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

2018 champion Brandon Chamberlin

2020
Brian Pinkston

2018 champion Brandon Chamberlin

2019
Scott Fitzgerald

2018 champion Brandon Chamberlin

2018
Brandon Chamberlin

2017 champions Team Comet Pizza

2017
Team Comet Pizza
(Adam Watters, Mike Shafland, Alex Menche)

2016 champions Jessica Halloran and Chris

2016
Jessica Halloran and Chris Norton

A GOOD CAUSE

The 5 Boro Pizza Challenge is a fundraiser for Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s leading advocate for walking, biking and public transit.

This year, Transportation Alternatives has stepped up to help New York beat back the virus and set the city on a path to recovery by matching essential workers with donated bikes, pushing for traffic-free streets and curbside space for restaurants, and legalizing the e-bikes that delivery workers use to bring you hot, delicious pizza.

PAST LOCATIONS

Each year, we choose a pizzeria in each borough for 5 Boro Pizza Challengers to visit. Here are the locations from past events, in alphabetical order by borough (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)

  • 2019: Pugsley Pizza, Norm's, Sofia Pizza Shoppe, Rizzo's Fine Pizza, Paulie's Pizzeria

  • 2018: Best Italian Pizza, Luigi's Pizza, Sal & Carmine Pizza, Sunnyside Pizza, Pier 76

  • 2017: Golden Pizza, Best Pizza, Prince Street Pizza, Polito's Pizza, Paulie's Pizzeria

  • 2016: Giovanni's Pizza, Front Street Pizza, Joe's Pizza, sLICe, Pier 76