There are few things people won't do in the pursuit of a Krispy Kreme donut. Florida Georgia Line will pull their tour bus over when they see the Hot & Fresh sign on, no matter where they are. New Jersey State Fair vendor Dave Higman drives an hour out of the way each morning to pick up 100 classic glazeds at a time for his Donut Burgers. But that's nothing compared to what 7,000 people will do this February.
Once a year, these intrepid souls don their favorite tees, running leggings — or homemade Mario Kart costumes — and stretch out their stomachs in preparation for the Krispy Kreme Challenge. And it truly is a challenge: You have 1 hour to eat a dozen donuts ... while running 5 miles. The race starts and ends at the North Carolina State University Belltower, looping through downtown Raleigh, NC, though if you're not feeling bold enough to down a dozen while jogging, no fear — you can also sign up as a casual runner (or eater). If you don't finish the donuts, you can take them home.
BOOK YOUR TRIP: Raleigh, North Carolina; tripadvisor.com
The challenge has been featured in The Runner's Bucket List: 200 Races To Run Before You Die, which is fitting, because some may look at the level of cardio — and sheer number of sweets — and worry the race alone could kill them. (At least, that was one editor's reaction.) However, this 5-mile jaunt isn't just for adrenaline junkies and gluttons; it's a feel-good kind of spectacle, raising $1.35 million for the UNC Children's Hospital over the past 13 years. The NCSU student-organized event has pledged to bring that figure to $2 million by 2020.
This year's race took place on Feb. 3, but don't despair — that means you have a little less than a year to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the next one. Get all the details — and sign up for the 2019 race here. You might as well throw on some running shoes and head to your nearest Krispy Kreme today. Hey, it totally counts as training.
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