National Donut Running Day

A cheerful runner, donut in hand, in athletic attire, surrounded by a scenic park backdrop.. — National donut running day illustration

Hey there, donut enthusiasts! Get ready to lace up your running shoes and grab a sweet treat because it's National Donut Running Day!

When is Donut Running Day?

It's national donut running day on the 5th June.

The Birth of National Donut Running Day

Every year on June 5th, donut lovers around the world come together to celebrate National Donut Running Day. This unique holiday combines two seemingly opposite activities: running and indulging in delicious donuts. But hey, who says you can't have your donut and eat it too?

The origins of this delightful day can be traced back to the internet, where donut enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts collided in a glorious collision of sugar and sweat. It all started when a group of marathon runners realized that their favorite post-run treat was none other than a fluffy, glazed donut. They quickly discovered that running for donuts became an excellent motivation to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement.

Word quickly spread on social media, and before they knew it, National Donut Running Day was born. Donut lovers from all walks of life embraced this deliciously unique holiday, creating running events and donut-themed celebrations in cities across the globe.

How to Celebrate National Donut Running Day

Participating in National Donut Running Day is as easy as pie...or should we say, as easy as donut? Here are a few fun ways to celebrate:

Organize a donut-themed run or walk in your community. Encourage participants to dress up in their favorite donut-inspired attire!
Host a donut-eating contest and see who can devour the most donuts in a given time. Just remember to bring napkins!
Support local bakeries by purchasing a box of donuts to share with friends, family, or even strangers. Donuts have a magical way of bringing people together!
If running isn't your thing, don't worry! You can still celebrate by enjoying your favorite donut flavor while cheering on your fellow donut runners.

Remember, the most important part of National Donut Running Day is to have fun and enjoy the deliciousness of donuts. Whether you prefer classic glazed, chocolate sprinkles, or fruity jelly-filled, there's a donut out there for everyone.

History behind the term 'Donut Running'

1847

Hanson Gregory invents the ring-shaped doughnut

In the year 1847, a seafarer named Hanson Gregory revolutionized the history of doughnuts. While sailing aboard a ship, he became frustrated with the undercooked center and greasy exterior of the traditional doughnut. As a solution, he would remove the center of the dough before frying it, creating a ring-shaped doughnut. This ingenious idea allowed for a more evenly cooked and tastier treat.

1847

Invention of the donut

In 1847, Hanson Gregory, a 16-year-old American sailor, claimed to have invented the donut. While on a ship, he discovered that the traditional solid cakes were often greasy and uncooked in the center. To resolve this issue, Gregory came up with the idea of punching a hole in the center of the dough. This ingenious innovation allowed for more even cooking and reduced the amount of grease. Gregory's invention marked the birth of the modern-day donut as we know it today.

1847

The Birth of the Doughnut

The term 'donut running' originated from the humble beginnings of the doughnut itself. The year was 1847 when a young ship captain named Hanson Gregory demanded his mother, Elizabeth Gregory, to create a pastry that was easier to eat on his voyages. Elizabeth, a genius in the kitchen, came up with the idea of frying balls of dough in pork fat, creating the first true doughnuts. These doughnuts were often referred to as 'oily cakes' or 'dough-nuts' due to their shape and cooking method. This is where the term 'donut' was first coined.

1847

The Birth of the Donut

The term 'donut' was first used in 1847 when a Dutch immigrant named Capt. Hanson Crockett Gregory put a hole in the center of his fried pastries. This invention had its advantages as it allowed the dough to cook more evenly and reduced the amount of raw dough in the center. These early donuts were not ring-shaped but were referred to as 'fried cakes' or 'doughnuts.'

1920s

Dunkin' Donuts and the Rise of Chain Stores

In the 1920s, chain stores specializing in donuts began to emerge. One of the most well-known chains, Dunkin' Donuts, was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg. This marked a turning point in the cultural impact of donuts as there was now a convenient and accessible place to get them. Chain stores popularized the term 'donut' and made it a household name.

1917

Donut running for a cause

During World War I, a group of dedicated and resourceful women known as the Salvation Army Doughnut Girls contributed significantly to the war effort. These women would don their aprons and bake donuts for soldiers serving in the trenches. This act of kindness provided the soldiers with a taste of home, boosting their morale in the harshest of conditions. The doughnut became a symbol of comfort and support during times of hardship, leading to the popular notion of 'donut running' for a cause.

1920s

The Rise of 'Donut Running'

In the 1920s, doughnuts gained immense popularity in America, especially among the working class. As thousands of workers flocked to the newly established factories during the industrial boom, doughnut vendors saw a lucrative opportunity. They started setting up small carts or stands near factories, and workers would often make a quick dash during their breaks to grab a doughnut and return to work. This routine of workers quickly running to get a doughnut to enjoy during their break became known as 'donut running.' The term symbolized the efficiency and speed with which workers would indulge in this sweet treat.

1920s

Doughnut shops gain popularity

In the 1920s, doughnut shops started to gain widespread popularity, particularly in the United States. These shops, often operated by immigrant families, offered a wide variety of doughnuts to satisfy the growing demand. The combination of affordable prices and delicious taste made doughnuts a favorite treat among people of all ages.

Mid-20th Century

Doughnut Shops and 'Donut Runs'

In the mid-20th century, doughnut shops began to pop up across the United States, consistently offering freshly made doughnuts to customers. As doughnut shops became more prevalent, communities started organizing group outings or 'donut runs' to these stores. People would come together, often in the early mornings, to run or walk to their favorite doughnut shop. This tradition not only promoted exercise but also celebrated the joy of indulging in delicious doughnuts afterward. 'Donut running' became synonymous with these group outings to get doughnuts, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

1941

Doughnut Day is established during World War II

During World War II, the Salvation Army established National Doughnut Day to honor the soldiers and raise funds for their welfare. The day served as a way to boost morale among the troops and brought attention to the doughnut as a symbol of comfort and support. Since then, Doughnut Day has become an annual celebration held on the first Friday of June.

World War I

Donuts for the Troops

During World War I, American Red Cross volunteers made and served donuts to the troops. This became a symbol of comfort and home for soldiers serving overseas. The act of serving donuts to soldiers not only boosted their morale but also solidified the connection between donuts and patriotism. Donut stands and shops were set up near military bases, further establishing the cultural significance of donuts.

1974

The rise of recreational running

In the 1970s, recreational running surged in popularity, with people embracing the health benefits and sense of community that came with the activity. Running clubs and events began to flourish, providing enthusiasts with opportunities to run for pleasure as well as charitable causes. As a nod to the history of donuts and the Salvation Army Doughnut Girls, 'donut running' emerged as a playful term to describe a fun run or race where participants could enjoy donuts during or after the event.

1970s

The term 'donut running' enters popular culture

In the 1970s, the term 'donut running' emerged in popular culture and referred to a humorous activity of running to burn off the calories consumed from eating doughnuts. It became a humorous way to acknowledge the indulgence and playfully counterbalance it with exercise. The term gained attention through various media, further embedding doughnuts into the cultural landscape.

2003

Donut-themed fun runs

In recent years, 'donut running' has gained even more traction as various donut-themed fun runs and races started to pop up around the world. These events often involve participants running a designated distance while encountering donut stations along the route. Runners can choose to enjoy a donut or two at each station, adding a delightful twist to their running experience. Donut-themed runs combine fitness, camaraderie, and the indulgence of enjoying delicious donuts, making them a popular and novel way to engage with the running community.

1970s

The Donut Shop Culture

In the 1970s, donut shops became gathering places where people could socialize and enjoy a sweet treat. They served as essential meeting points for friends, business colleagues, and local communities. Donut shops were open 24/7, allowing people to indulge in a donut at any hour of the day. This era marked the establishment of a donut shop culture, and the term 'donut running' emerged as a lighthearted phrase to describe frequent visits to donut shops.

Present Day

Donut Running as a Fitness Trend

In recent years, 'donut running' has taken on a new meaning. Fitness enthusiasts and fun-loving individuals have adopted 'donut running' as a playful way to balance their love for exercise and indulgence. It has become a popular trend for organized races, where participants run or walk a certain distance and then reward themselves with a delicious doughnut at the finish line. This unique concept has gained momentum globally, attracting participants of all fitness levels. 'Donut running' showcases the idea that a balanced lifestyle can be achieved while enjoying life's simple pleasures, like a mouthwatering doughnut.

Present Day

Donut Running as a Lifestyle

Today, 'donut running' is often used as a slang term to describe the act of making regular visits to donut shops or consuming donuts as a guilty pleasure. It has become synonymous with indulgence and embracing the joy of enjoying a delicious donut. Donut running has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with countless variations and flavors of donuts available worldwide.

Present

Donut running as a fun fitness trend

In the present day, 'donut running' has taken on a new meaning as a fitness trend. Donut runs or races have been organized around the world, where participants run a certain distance and are rewarded with doughnuts at the finish line. This unique combination of exercise and indulgence has gained popularity as a fun and lighthearted way to enjoy fitness while celebrating the beloved treat.