A runner died after suffering apparent heart problems during the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh — a North Carolina State University tradition that draws thousands to run a 5-mile race and doughnut feast to raise money for a local children’s hospital, race organizers said.
Shortly after the race began Saturday morning, the 58-year-old man, who has not been identified, began having chest pains and left the track, the
Washington Post reports.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“Unfortunately we have some sad news to share,” according to a statement from the event’s organizers. “We regretfully confirm that a participant of today’s Krispy Kreme Challenge has died.”
The statement added: “We are deeply saddened and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
The Krispy Kreme Challenge is defined as “2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour,” according to the group’s website.