Breinigsville, PA - This Labor Day, it was a soggy start to one hole-some race going on in Lehigh County. But on this track it’s not about the time, it’s about the treats...
“It’s been going on for a long time,” says Lehigh Wheelman Association member Dick McCreight, “I think there are several across the country that have copied us, if you google, you’ll find there are various donut events but I think that ours might be the original.”
Since 2004, the Donut Derby has gathered cyclists for a 36 mile race with a twist; 350 registered riders get a 3 minute time credit for each donut eaten at stops positioned at mile markers 12 and 24. Donut adjusted time determines the winners in several age categories and for racers not stuffed with sugar covered pastries by the end, an Olympic style awards ceremony is to follow.
“This year we introduced an age group of 70 and above because we have quite a bit of 70 year olds and above participants and each age group can win a gold, silver, bronze and we break it up in male and female divisions and then we have a division for tandem bicycles as well,” explains Bert Mukkulainen, Donut Derby Race Director, “and we also award an overall male winner and an overall female winner as well. So it’s a lot of fun. A lot of people come out without any aspiration of winning an award. They come out to ride their bikes and have fun and eat some donuts and if they win, great. Others come out and try to compete for the win.”
Here in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, cyclists are starting their morning mount with their eyes on a sugary, circle prize; the donut. The Donut Derby begins at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center and guides riders throughout a 36 mile course through Orefield, Kutztown, and Richmond Township to name a few. Riders like April from Alaska say it’s not about winning or losing, it’s all for fun! And a little sugar rush never hurt anyone!
“This is going to be six, my goal is just going to be a dozen,” says April, “I like sugar…”
Meanwhile, the Munchin Mile is the perfect chance for children of Donut Derby riders to toss their helmets into the game this Labor Day and shift into gear! For little riders who haven’t yet mastered the two-wheelers, training wheels, strider bikes and trikes are allowed! Instead of donuts, it’s munchin fuel for these tiny travelers before medals are awarded.
“It’s free of charge and they all get a medal and it’s our way of introducing them perhaps to the sport of cycling to ride on the famous velodrome,” Mukkulainen tells PBS39 reporter K.C. Lopez, “where world class athletes come to compete and train. It’s all so exciting.”
Now the average rider at this annual event will devour about a six to eight donuts along the course. But there’s an important rule to keep in mind; those Krispy Kremes have to stay in your stomach to count. That’s sweets in stomach, wheels on road, and whatever you do, DONUT give up this Labor Day.
“It’s absolutely crazy because you know these are supposed to be people that are fit and athletes,” McCreight says, “but yet they are filling themselves with sugar and so it’s kind of crazy. It’s probably the most fun event you’ll ever see in cycling.”
Donut Derby Takes Off this Labor Day
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Donut Derby 2019