Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/02/2011 -- The organizing committee of the 2011 Krispy Kreme Challenge (http://www.krispykremechallenge.com) announces today that a record 7,500 participants have registered for the seventh annual charity race. The event takes place on February 5, 2011, with proceeds benefiting the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.

“We are extremely thankful for the outpouring of support from the community,” says Rebekah Jewell, North Carolina State University Park Scholar and public relations co-chair for the Krispy Kreme Challenge. “We encourage area residents to come out on race day to enjoy the fun and support the participants.”

To complete the Krispy Kreme Challenge, competitors begin at the N.C. State Bell Tower, run two miles to the Krispy Kreme store on Peace Street, eat a dozen glazed doughnuts, and then run two miles back to the Bell Tower—all in under one hour.

Beginning as a dare between 10 N.C. State students in 2004, the competition has grown exponentially. Last year, 6,000 people participated and $55,000 was raised for charity. The event attracts a wide range of runners and enthusiasts from beginners to seasoned competitors hailing from all corners of the country. It has also been listed as #85 on the “102 More Things you Gotta Do Before You Graduate” list by Sports Illustrated.

About the Krispy Kreme Challenge
Now in its seventh year, the Krispy Kreme Challenge has grown to an astounding 7,500 participants and was listed as #85 on the “102 More Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate” list by Sports Illustrated. Organizers wanted the challenge to be a unique tradition, but saw the opportunity to use it as a means to give back to the local community as well. It was no surprise when organizers selected The N.C. Children's Hospital as the beneficiary of this ultimate collegiate challenge. Visit http://www.krispykremechallenge.com for more information.

About the North Carolina Children’s Hospital
The North Carolina Children's Hospital is a specially designed hospital that caters to the needs of children that are sick or injured, and their families. The state-of-the art facility was designed with children in mind, and provides conveniences to the patients that help them to just be kids, such as a two-story play atrium designed to look like an outdoor park. In addition, the hospital has North Carolina’s only fully accredited hospital school, which keeps patients from kindergarten to 12th grade on top of their studies. The medical amenities include a newborn critical care facility, a cardiac care unit, and a comprehensive cancer center. For more information, visit http://www.ncchildrenshospital.org.

Registration has been capped at 7,500 due to road capacity on Hillsborough Street. The committee is challenging individuals to support the race by cheering on participants, purchasing event merchandise or making a financial donation. Event merchandise is available for purchase online at http://tinyurl.com/2011KKCMerchandise. Financial donations will be accepted on race day or may be mailed to the following address

Krispy Kreme Challenge
c/o The Park Scholarships Office
North Carolina State University
Campus Box 7009
Raleigh, NC 276976