Running a race is one of the most exhausting physical challenges you can attempt: pushing your strength, stamina, and endurance to the limit. But can you imagine what it could be like to run a race while trying to scarf down a whole box of donuts at the same time?
For some people, it's a nightmare that doesn't bear thinking about. For others, it's the ultimate dream come true.
As you can probably imagine, the donut-themed challenge has become quite the hit social media. Yes, now more and more runners are attempting the so-called 'Krispy Kreme Challenge', which sees participants eating 12 Krispy Kreme donuts during a five-mile race - and all for a good cause.
Check out this mouthwatering promo for Krispy Kreme's original-filled donuts below:On the challenge's official website, the Krispy Kreme Challenge is described as: "2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude. [sic]"
Speaking of the origins of the challenge, the website states:
"What started as a challenge among ten friends has transformed into a nationally publicized charity race, and the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University."
It continues: "Since its inception, the Krispy Kreme Challenge has been proud to support the UNC Children's Hospital, a specially-designed hospital that caters to the needs of sick or injured children and their families.
"The mission of the hospital is to provide the highest quality care to patients from all 100 counties in North Carolina, regardless of a family's ability to afford the services."
It adds: "The money we raise goes to help fund additional equipment and support services necessary to provide exceptional care. It makes possible innovative programs that aid in the treatment and care of children suffering from a wide range of illnesses.
"It also gives patients the chance to just be kids, by playing on the 2-story play atrium or participating in a variety of on-site activities. In addition, the hospital has the state's only fully accredited hospital school, which keeps patients from kindergarten to 12th grade on top of their studies."
The 16th and most recent annual Krispy Kreme Challenge took place on February 1, 2020, and an amazing 5,489 people decided to take part to raise more than $175,000. The money raised was then given to the University of North Carolina Children's Hospital, and brought the cumulative donation to more than $1.8 million!
There are three categories: 'Challenger' for those who want to eat all 12 doughnuts in under an hour, 'Casual' for runners who wish just want to eat as many donuts as they want, and 'No Doughnut', which is fairly self-explanatory.
So if you want to get involved, why not sign up now and start training for next year?