In what has become one of the most popular student activities each fall, hosted by faculty Jason and Larissa Knebel, more than 100 student and faculty participants joined in the VES Doughnut Run—the largest group of participants in its 7-year run. The 1.5 inches of pouring rain did not dampen the spirits of those running, walking and consuming 660 of the tasty Krispy Kreme treats. 

The rules of the game: run/walk three campus loops and eat either 12, six or three doughnuts—a number you commit to in advance. Students create a range of training regimens and consumption strategies they believe will lead to the win—eat all the doughnuts then run, run then eat all the doughnuts or eat a third of your total, run a lap and repeat. 

On Sunday, senior Hardt Lesko of Lynchburg, Virginia, came away with the big win, running three laps, then shoveling down all 12 doughnuts. Truly unbelievable! Freshman Batch Atkinson from Edenton, North Carolina, came in second in the 12-doughnut race—just one minute behind. Sophomore Jim Smith from Merigold, Mississippi, took the six-doughnut run championship, ahead of second place Quique Peniche Ruiz from Merida, Mexico. Sophomore Mo Scott from Richmond, Virginia, easily won the three-doughnut challenge. And at the start of the event, freshman Case Irby of Lynchburg was randomly selected as the winner of the Golden Doughnut covered in 24k pure gold flakes—by far the most valuable doughnut on campus. 

12 Doughnuts

Hardt Lesko – 30’33”

Batch Atkinson – 31’30”

Elijah Noble – 38’42”

6 Doughnuts

Jim Smith – 28’11”

Quique Peniche Ruiz – 31’10”

Tie – Clark Watts and Cannon Langley – 32’30”

3 Doughnuts

Mo Scott – 24’20”

Tie – Caroline Carrington and Ella McNeely – 28’ 56”
 

See Photos of the Fun >