Runner in Krispy Kreme Challenge dies

A runner in Saturday morning’s Krispy Kreme Challenge has died after dropping out of the race in the first mile because of chest pains, race organizers said Saturday afternoon.

The runner, a 58-year-old man, left the race and was taken to Rex Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, organizers said in a news release.

The race route begins at the Bell Tower at N.C. State University and goes to the Krispy Kreme outlet at the corner of North Person and Peace streets in downtown Raleigh, where those participating in the challenge consume a dozen doughnuts before returning to the Bell Tower. The runner left the race before reaching the Krispy Kreme.

“On behalf of the entire N.C. State community, our deepest sympathies go out to the runner’s family members and loved ones,” Brad Bohlander, a spokesman for N.C. State, said in the release, which did not name the runner who died.

The annual race, which is organized by students at N.C. State and benefits the N.C. Children’s Hospital, is in its 12th year.

This story was originally published February 6, 2016 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Runner in Krispy Kreme Challenge dies."