On Feb. 16 runners throughout Tuscaloosa will gear up for another road race in town, but this one with an interesting twist: Runners will have to eat a dozen donuts in the middle of their race.

Hosted by the YMCA of Tuscaloosa and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama, the Krispy Kreme Challenge will raise money for programs that benefit at-risk youths. The race will begin at the University Orthopedic Clinic on Bryant Drive, and participants will run one mile to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on McFarland Boulevard. There, they will eat a dozen doughnuts and then run back.

Erica Mola, a sophomore majoring in exercise science, plans to participate in the event with her roommate.

“We have been working out a lot and trying to get in shape, so I thought it would be a good goal to achieve,” Mola said.

Mola said she isn’t too concerned about finishing the dozen donuts as part of the race.

“I think as long as I pace myself, I’ll be able to [eat all the doughnuts],” Mola said. “Mind over matter.”

For runners concerned about the negative effects of the dozen donuts, runners may eat only a few or zero doughnuts and pick up the rest of their doughnuts at the end of the race. However, to be eligible to receive prizes, participants must eat all 12 doughnuts and receive a “challenger” wristband.

“We expect at least 500 runners,” Amber Lucas, development coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama, said. “We are confident we’re going to have that and a little nervous about more, but if we have more, we will gladly take them. We really look forward to the students and staff of the University coming out to support the event.”

Charlotte Lewis, special events and fundraising director at the YMCA of Tuscaloosa, said the event provided a way to give back to both at-risk youth and businesses in the community.

“We saw it as a way to support a local business destroyed in the tornado while raising money for children in the community so that they can be involved in our programs,” Lewis said. “The YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters provide a large amount of scholarships and financial support for kids to participate in after school, summer camp, special programs and youth sports.”

According to krispykremechallenge.com, the first Krispy Kreme Challenge began at North Carolina State University as a dare between a few students in December 2004. As the challenge gained publicity, organizers decided to hold it as a fundraiser for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital. Registration is $25 through Feb. 15, and a limited number of spots will be available for $35 on the morning of the race.