2024 Recap: The First-Ever 2 Bears 5K
Rose Bowl Origins
It began as a joke—Tom ran a Thanksgiving 5K and dared Bert to join him. One spontaneous FaceTime marathon later, a group of comedians and fans gathered at the Rose Bowl for the inaugural 2 Bears 5K, held during the Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
No Clocks, Just Chaos
This was no traditional race. There were no timers, no pressure, and definitely no silence. Just a free-spirited run/walk full of sweatbands, beer, and nonstop laughs. Finishers got shirts, medals, and Por Osos-fueled memories. The buzz around the event was real—and the LA Times captured the vibe perfectly: part fitness, part comedy show, and all Bert & Tom.
Comic Chaos
More than 1,400 participants showed up in person or virtually—joined by comics like Michelle Wolf, Tim Dillon, Shane Gillis, Cipha Sounds, and Whitney Cummings. This was cardio with a side of crowd-surfing energy.
Jelly Roll’s First 5K
Jelly Roll used this event to kick off a massive personal transformation. After losing over 50 lbs training for the run, he credited the 2 Bears 5K with giving him a safe, judgment-free zone to start changing his life.
The Real Win
Participants posted split times, selfies, and stories: “First 5K ever,” “Down 30 lbs,” “Never thought I’d do this.” For many, this wasn't just a race—it was a turning point.
The Birth of a Movement
No one knew what would come next, but as Bert put it: “The after-party was so good, we knew we had to do it again.”