Clinic renamed to honor donations from Krispy Kreme Challenge

In 11 years of running, gorging and getting dressed up, the participants in the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge have raised more than $1 million for research into children's cancers.

Posted 7:22 p.m. Oct 14, 2015 — Updated 8:57 p.m. Oct 14, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — In 11 years of running, gorging and getting dressed up, the participants in the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge have raised more than $1 million for research into children's cancers.

On Thursday, UNC Hospitals repaid that favor, renaming its clinic in Raleigh at Rex Hospital the Krispy Kreme Challenge Children's Specialty Clinic.

The challenge started out as a dare among students at North Carolina State University and has grown to attract thousands who race from the campus bell tower to Krispy Kreme and back and down a dozen donuts along the way.

The race is organized by students in a tradition handed down over the years.

“The Park Scholars basically run a small business putting on the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and all while going to school,” said Wesley Burks, MD, chief physician of N.C. Children’s Hospital. “Anyone worried about the future of this country should spend just 30 or 40 minutes with these remarkable students. I come away impressed after every interaction.”

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