Could You Eat 29 Burgers in Ten Minutes?

29 burgers in 10 minutes seems like too much food for most, but to David “Tiger Wings and Things” Brunelli, it was just another eating competition.

in Marlboro held its first slider eating competition, where a large crowd cheered on 16 contestants as they ate as many burgers as they could in ten minutes.

Brunelli was the winner by one burger, and is a former professional boxer. He has been eating competitively for two years, and the Stewart's competition just one of over 50 he has competed in.

“I try to eat halfway decent, usually,” he said.

Marcos “The Monster” Owens ate 28 burgers, in his third time competing against Brunelli. Owens was seen at the end of the contest table, chowing on watered-down burgers and dancing to the music blasting through his headphones.

Owens said he is very athletic, and eats an average of 4,000 to 5,000 per day. The first time he faced Brunelli, he won. The second, he lost by one hot dog.

“I knew we were neck and neck,” Owens said.

Brunelli said when the competitions are done, he of course feels stuffed.

“Imagine eating three burgers, then two more on top. You’re at capacity,” he said.

The contest was judged by 16 locals, including Mayor Jon Hornik, Councilman Frank LaRocca and Council President Randi Marder.

Hornik said he was glad to be there, especially after Marlboro was hit so hard from Hurricane Irene.

“It’s so nice to have this event after the week we had,” he said.

Bobby Vitalli of the Robertsville Fire Company also competed, but only finished nine burgers. To prepare, he had eaten Stewart’s food for two weeks.

John Marsicano of Howell was volunteered for the contest by a friend.

“I starved myself for a day,” he said. “And I went to White Castle and tried to take on the Crave Case. I thought it would give me a good basis.”

The winner of the competition won $250 and his name engraved on the slider trophy, which will be on display at Stewart’s. The restaurant hopes to have this competition every year on Labor Day from now on.