Gut Check for a Good Cause

On Saturday morning, 5,716 NC State students, employees, running enthusiasts, thrill seekers, doughnut aficionados and others converged at the starting line for the 22nd annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. While participants stretched, adjusted their costumes and put on their race bibs near the Memorial Belltower, organizers announced the charity run’s main feat: $160,000 raised for the UNC Children’s Hospital.

During the opening ceremonies, Chancellor Kevin Howell praised participants for pledging their support — and their stomachs — to consume 12 doughnuts and run 5 miles within one hour.

“Your presence here today speaks volumes to the value of the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and it is because of supporters like you that this race continues to be a success,” Howell said. “The lives of children and their families are changed every day thanks to the UNC Children’s Hospital, and we are grateful to be a part of that.”

UNC Children’s Hospital provides high-quality, family-centered care to youth from all 100 counties in North Carolina regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Since the Krispy Kreme Challenge’s inception in 2004, more than 100,000 people have participated, raising over $2.3 million.

“This race has become an integral part of the NC State experience and has grown to include runners from all corners of our state, nation and beyond, creating impact through physical fitness and glazed doughnuts,” Howell said.

NC State student Luke Lesher finished with the best time among male runners in this year’s race, at 32 minutes and 17 seconds, and Cheryl Boswell posted the best time among female runners, at 36 minutes and 59 seconds. The Tuesday Night Turtles, Spin Cycle and AHHHH!!! were the top three challenger teams, with finishing times between 40 and 45 minutes. The full results are available on the Krispy Kreme Challenge website.