Dozen Doughnut Dash fights cancer with doughnuts

If a man in a hot dog costume is scarfing down a dozen doughnuts at the Old Well on Saturday morning, do not be alarmed — he is probably participating in the Dozen Doughnut Dash.

The Dash is part of Chapel Hill’s “Turn the Town Pink” campaign for the month of October. The campaign raises awareness and support for cancer patients in the community by funding the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the N.C. Cancer Hospital.

“I love the whole effort, not just the doughnut dash. It always strikes me how generous and engaged the businesses here are in helping out,” said Dr. Donald Rosenstein, director of the CCSP.

The doughnut dash at UNC was started in 2011 by a group of students.

“The students all had family and friends who had battled with cancer and so they wanted to put on a fun event for a worthy local cause,” said Adam Glasser, vice president of marketing for the Dash.

“Over the last four years our race has grown in size. This year, we have added a costume contest, so that racers can celebrate Halloween a few weeks early,” he said in an email.

Something else that is different this year is the guest speaker: UNC women’s basketball coach Sylvia Hatchell will be speaking about her recent victory over cancer.

For those concerned about health risks, Glasser said eating all 12 donuts is not required.

“We have ‘doughnut daycare,’ where runners can leave their uneaten doughnuts and pick them up after the race,” he said. “Of course, runners do have to eat all 12 doughnuts and finish the race in order to qualify to win one of our awesome prizes.”

Glasser said proceeds for the race are used to purchase doughnuts at a discounted rate from Krispy Kreme, as well as the race T-shirts for runners.

“The rest of the money goes directly to the Lineberger Cancer Center to support the amazing work they do,” he said.

Senior Kit Mook has participated in the Doughnut Dash since it began.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it’s a way to get involved in Carolina,” he said.

His advice to people who are participating for the first time is to swallow the doughnuts and drink lots of water.

“Don’t think about the doughnuts, just eat them. You’re not going to want to think about them.”

Glasser said he hopes to attract more runners each year.

“After all, who doesn’t love fighting cancer with doughnuts?”

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