Man dies after starting Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh

Apparently, during this year’s event, a 58-year old runner fell ill shortly after starting the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and was forced to retreat from the race after completing less than a mile, and long before arriving at the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.

The runner, who was identified by friends as Jeff “FaFa” Woods, was taken to Rex Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The competition, which began a dozen years ago, is organized by scholars at North Carolina State University to raise money for the University of North Carolina Children’s Hospital, according to the News & Observer. After eating a dozen donuts, participants ran back to the bell tower. The tragic death has left the university community stunned.

In a statement, a spokesman for Krispy Kreme, which is based in North Carolina, told NBC News that “the event organizers have have no affiliation with the company”.

The Krispy Creme Challenge, which is in its 12th year, was being held at North Carolina State University. “We are deeply saddened and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones”, the Krispy Kreme Challenge directors said in a press release.

On Facebook, users were quick to defend the race, saying the man hadn’t even eaten the doughnuts yet and they were not at fault.

The Kripsy Kreme Challenge normally involves completing a 5-mile race in an hour, while consuming 12 glazed doughnuts.