Family and friends gathered to support their loved ones participating in NC State’s annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, some carrying posters and some with matching shirts in support. While the race was about to start at the Memorial Belltower, racers waited in anticipation while the speakers rallied the crowd.

The annual Krispy Kreme Challenge was started 21 years ago by a group of Park Scholars doing a challenge for themselves, and it has evolved into a local tradition after it made national media. The group decided to turn the event into something that could contribute to a positive cause, aside from just bringing people together through mass consumption of doughnuts. Today, the money raised by the event is contributed to UNC Children’s Hospital to fund additional equipment and care. 

Alexis Chan, a second-year studying computer science and a committee member, spoke on the board’s relentless efforts to support and create an event where not just college students, but a community can come together. Being a part of the Park Scholars program, Chan was proud to be a part of what paved the way for the event. 

“I was so impressed,” Chan said. “Being part of the Park Scholarship program makes me very proud to be part of it. Obviously, I’m very thrilled and honored to be part of it in the first place. But seeing this tradition grow and be all over campus and get into national news and seeing headlines … that’s the incredible part about Park Scholars.”

The committee worked 27 hours planning and prepping to ensure the race went smoothly. Bri McMillan, a third-year studying psychology and Spanish, helped plan the event and experienced the extensive work day.

“We had so much planning to do last night, so we didn’t end up sleeping at all,” McMillan said.

Pranav Kale, a fourth-year studying computer science and a race director on the board, said it was a challenge to organize the event.

 “When it first came out in 2004 it was started by a bunch of Park Scholars,” Kale said. “It was a dare, and they wanted to try something unique. … Today, we have thousands of runners who come and participate in this event. It’s NC State’s number one tradition. It’s really great to see a lot of people who are participating today.”

Anna Doggett, a fourth-year studying biological sciences with a concentration in human biology and a race director of the board, reflected on the impact of the race throughout her life.

“I grew up watching it on TV, and it seemed really cool, but I didn’t know much about it,” Doggett said. “Then I got to State, and I looked into different philanthropy sources and clubs to join, and the Krispy Kreme Challenge was at the Student Involvement Fair, and they hooked me as a committee member.” 

As the runners ran the last mile towards the finish line, the crowd gathered to cheer. Many runners threw up on their way back but continued onward.