The organizing committee of the 2011 Krispy Kreme Challenge (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.

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

"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.