Runner In Krispy Kreme Challenge Dies Following Chest Pains

The 58-year-old man dropped out of the 5-mile race before getting to the part where runners down a dozen glazed doughnuts, organizers said.
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Breaking News Reporter, HuffPost

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Participants in the 5-mile Krispy Kreme Challenge are seen back in 2007 at North Carolina State University.
MCT via Getty Images

A man participating in North Carolina's annual Krispy Kreme Challenge charity race has died after experiencing chest pains, the organization said.

The 58-year-old man dropped out in the first mile of Saturday's 5-mile, doughnut-guzzling race through Raleigh, organizers announced.

The race tasks participants with downing a dozen glazed doughnuts -- approximately 2,400 calories -- at a Krispy Kreme shop located at the 2.5-mile marker. They then race back to the starting point within an hour’s time.

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A runner dressed as Elvis chows down on his box of a dozen glazed donuts at the race's halfway point in Raleigh, North Carolina, back in 2007.
MCT via Getty Images

"The mantra of the Krispy Kreme Challenge epitomizes the test of physical fitness and gastrointestinal fortitude," the race's website states.

The man, who has not been identified, left before reaching the donut shop, organizers said.

"We regretfully confirm that a participant of today’s Krispy Kreme Challenge has died," the charity race, whose funds go to North Carolina Children's Hospital, stated on its Facebook page.

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Each participant is tasked with downing a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts halfway into the race, which are about 2,400 calories, according to the organizers.
David Bebber / Reuters

"He was transported by EMS to Rex Hospital where he was pronounced dead. We are deeply saddened and wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones," the statement continued.

The unique challenge capped its 12th year after beginning as a dare among North Carolina State undergraduates in 2004, according to the race's website.

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