12 doughnuts. 5 miles. 1 hour. What started as a dare among a group of Park Scholars to see whose gastrointestinal skills could be put to the test has now become one of NC State’s #1 events to partake in each year. The question is: What are the benefits of running in the Krispy Kreme Challenge? How could I possibly be helping my body by consuming nearly 24000 calories in under an hour?
Health Benefits of Running and Jogging
One of the most challenging parts of the Krispy Kreme Challenge (apart from figuring out how on earth to eat 12 doughnuts in 1 sitting) is the fact that it all must be done in under 1 hour. An average person jogs at a pace of 4-6 mph, but after adding 12 glazed doughnuts to your system, that pace gets harder to maintain. But let's take a look at some of the health benefits of running or jogging on a regular basis...
Running or jogging is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Not only does it significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also naturally lowers your resting heart rate, allowing your heart to beat more efficiently. Some assume that running long distances delivers the healthiest results, but studies have shown that short-distance runners who exercise regularly have enhanced cardiovascular health, better endurance, and reduced risk of long-term injury.
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, running regularly is a great way to improve your sleep schedule. Running is known to release endorphins, which help to improve your mood and give you a “runner's high.” It also releases norepinephrine, a chemical that lessens the brain’s reaction to stress. These two hormones can help to both relax the mind and clear your headspace, giving you the perfect transition into a good night's sleep.
Along with physical benefits, running is also known to improve mental health and reduce signs of depression. Whether you are running a short distance as a quick workout, or jogging several miles to clear your mind, it can be used as an escape from the stresses of daily life. Chances are, if you are running a 5K, you are not thinking about the oil that needs changing in your car, but rather, “How much longer before I reach the finish line?” Runners are proven to be more focused individuals who have a healthy relationship with their minds.
Why choose the Krispy Kreme Challenge?
There are hundreds of races every year in North Carolina, but you may be asking what while running 5 miles in less than an hour is creative enough, we live to think that what truly sets us apart is our beneficiary, the UNC Children’s Hospital. Since its inception, the Krispy Kreme Challenge has been proud to support this specialty-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. The money we raise goes to help fund additional equipment and support services necessary to provide exceptional care. Dr. Benny L. Joyner, the Division Chief for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at UNC Children’s Hospital says, “We serve the population of the state, the people of the state, and the children of the state. Some of the most vulnerable and critically ill patients from around the state come to receive care here, and it's my honor and privilege to care for them.” The Krispy Kreme Challenge gives the people in our community the opportunity to support an organization bigger than themselves. Whether you choose to run the challenge, volunteer, or donate, you can be sure that your resources are going to a deserving cause.
Hamingson, Natalie. “Short Distance vs. Long Distance Running: Which Is Right for You?”
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www.redbull.com/us-en/short-distance-long-distance-running.
Colgan, Siobhan. “Want Better Sleep? Go for a Run.” Spartan Race, 17 Aug. 2021,
www.spartan.com/blogs/unbreakable-focus/is-running-good-for-sleep.