Saturday’s Krispy Kreme Challenge broke all precedents when it more than doubled participation from last year’s event. This initiative is entirely organized by students and represents a shining example of the University’s potential impact on the community.

This year’s event had more than 3,000 participants from N.C. State and the surrounding community, and it helped raise more than $20,000 for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. The success of this event is staggering when you realize that the idea for the fundraiser was developed only four years ago and the original race had merely 10 participants.

It almost absurd this event has grown in such an exponential manner considering the nature of the competition. To think that a competitive eating challenge would ever be paired with a four-mile sprint is beyond comprehension. The fact that it has achieved so much success is only further testament to the creativity and careful planning performed by KKC organizers.

It is important that we view the success of the KKC not as the pinnacle of community service achievement for University students, but as a starting place for even greater accomplishments in the future. The race showed that it is not just a select group of individuals who can be impassioned to participate in public service. Rather, if presented in the right light, events that help the community can be both rewarding and entertaining.

The approach used for this event can translate into countless other service projects throughout the year. If organizers can develop a means to present their volunteer initiatives as a challenge or game, individuals who would normally not participate in service projects would be more likely to make a difference.

The race saw increased support from University administrators this year – both as runners and as spectators. It is apparent that the KKC has gained support from NCSU affiliates at all levels and is well on its way to becoming a tradition at this school. This event is quickly becoming something that students can look back on as one of the more memorable moments of their college careers.

So for all of those who went out this Saturday to brave the cold, run the distance and dodge the projectile vomit, the Technician salutes you. You are indeed pioneers on a sweet path to delicious service opportunities.

All hail KKC!