Krispy Kreme Challenge registration opens Saturday

The Krispy Kreme Challenge combines the thrills of doughnut-eating with the agony of running five miles! Spots fill up fast, so register early for the Feb. 14 race.

Posted 2:04 p.m. Oct 29, 2014 — Updated 6:49 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Kathy Hanrahan

RALEIGH, N.C. — Does eating a dozen doughnuts and then going for a 5 mile run sound like a great way to start off your Valentine's Day? Well, you might want to register for the Krispy Kreme Challenge!

Registration opens Saturday for the Feb. 14 race that combines running, doughnut eating and some pretty great costumes all to raise money for the North Carolina Children's Hospital.

The annual event began in 2004 as a dare between a few North Carolina State University undergrads. Run from the campus bell tower to the Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen doughnuts, then run back. Sophomore Ben Gaddy was the first winner with a time of 34 minutes and 27 seconds.

It has only grown from there. Even making it onto Sports Illustrated’s “102 More Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate.”

You can race alone or in teams. Costumes are highly encouraged.

There are about 8,000 spots available for the 2015 race, and they go fast so register in advance. Since the event falls on Valentine's Day, the race is adding a "Dynamic Doughnut Duos" couples costume category.

Registration fees are expected to be close to last year, with an early bird discount happening until the end of the year. Last year, registration fees were $28 for N.C. State students and $35 for non-N.C. State students through Dec. 31.

Last year, the race raised $200,000 for the NC Children's Hospital. In its history, the race has raised $758,000 for the hospital.

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