Krispy Kreme Challenge
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The Krispy Kreme Challenge is an annual charity event at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C. All profits are donated to the North Carolina Children's Hospital. To complete the Krispy Kreme Challenge, participants start at the iconic NC State Belltower, run two miles to the Krispy Kreme store of Raleigh, eat one dozen doughnuts, and run back to the Belltower, all under 1 hour.
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[edit] History
It all began as a college dare. In December 2004, a few friends gathered in the morning at the Belltower to try the challenge, and sophomore Ben Gaddy completed the race in 34 minutes, 27 seconds. After receiving positive coverage in the campus newspaper and profiled as #85 on the "102 More Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate" by Sports Illustrated:On Campus, the event organizers decided to publicize the Krispy Kreme Challenge and turn it into a charity fundraising event.
The 2nd Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge took place in January 2006. The turnout was impressive - much larger than the organizers had expected. Over 150 runners participated, with at least 40 runners completing the challenge. The fastest time was set by graduate student Edwin Barry, with a time of 29 minutes, 02 seconds. The event raised $800 for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
[edit] Third Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge
This benefit race has seen tremendous growth. The 3rd Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge was held on January 27, 2007 and it was the first year that significant planning went into it. Contacts were made in the local running community of Raleigh, such as with the Raleigh Running Outfitters store owned by Jim Micheels. Sponsorships were also sought out in both money and prize donations. In contrast to the heat system the previous year, all the runners were to be released at the same time. This required the roads to be closed off and supervised by the Raleigh Police Department. New participant types were created, such as the "casual runner" and "observer" categories. This was done to accommodate interested people who wanted to participate but not eat the full dozen doughnuts.
The event was a success, with 1500 students and members of the Raleigh community showing up in support. Over 1,000 dozen doughnuts were made and distributed by the Krispy Kreme store and over 450 people successfully finished the Challenge. NC State Chancellor James Oblinger blew the starting whistle. Auburn Staples took first place with a time of 24 minutes, 36 seconds. Notable participants included a member of the NC State Board of Trustees, the Student Body President, a man dressed as Elvis, people on rollerblades, and a student who modified a pair of crutches in order to participate. He completed the course in 1 hour, 9 minutes.
Approximately $10,300 were raised for the North Carolina Children's Hospital. The event received widespread press coverage, being featured on the front page of the City & State section of the Raleigh News & Observer, local TV stations, and radio stations. The event is also slated to appear in an upcoming issue of Running Times magazine.
[edit] Future Plans
Preparation is also underway for next year's challenge, set for Saturday, January 26, 2008. The organizers hope to triple the number of participants and break $30,000 in funds raised for the Hospital.
The Krispy Kreme Challenge may be emerging as a new NC State tradition.
The Krispy Kreme Challenge is not affiliated with the Krispy Kreme company.
