Photos: Krispy Kreme Challenge
3,000 runners, 2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour.
If that sounds like a math equation from a textbook, relax—this is much more fun. We’re talking about joining a couple thousand people to raise funds for the kids at North Carolina’s Children’s Hospital.
The 11th annual Krispy Kreme Challenge on February 14, 2015 (Valentine’s Day) is a blend of exercise, silliness, community and kindness that is sure to brighten your weekend and possibly even your year. A Leith Toyota vehicle will be leading the 2.5-mile run from NC State to the Krispy Kreme on Person Street and back, stopping for a quick dozen-doughnut snack, of course.
Last year 3,420 people participated in the run, of whom 3,033 finished, which means that they ran the whole way and back having eaten the dozen confections. We know this because the website has a searchable index of participants from the past two years. If you have a competitive nature you can look for the time to beat, the age of the record holders, and their speed per mile.
With $200,000 raised last year, we look to top that this time around. Funds go to NC Children’s Promise Grants, a series of philanthropy-funded ideas that come from the employees who care for the children day in and day out. Employees can see what kids would really enjoy or benefit from having. Previous funded ideas include:
- Distraction items to alleviate fear and anxiety associated with invasive surgery
- Family orientation videos describing all aspects of care for patients with various illnesses
- Practice dolls for parents with premature babies
- Equipment for adolescent support groups
Want to help but not a fan of running and/or carbs? We have plenty of volunteer opportunities for the day of the run. 110 people will be needed at Krispy Kreme to keep the doughnut frenzy from becoming a bottleneck. 24 volunteers will be needed along the race route to direct runners. 40 volunteers are needed at NC State’s belltower to begin and end the race. And 20 volunteers are needed to take down gear once the race is over. That’s 194 jobs that we need to fill, so help us out.
Register now to run in the race. Get a team together, round up some friends, or even compete in the new Dynamic Doughnut Duo category with a special someone to complete the challenge together. It will be a bond forged in sweat, enriched wheat and sugar.
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