The Hot Chocolate 15K Charlotte is always a favorite race of mine. The organization of the event is top notch. One of the most efficient Expos there is, plus you can get a ton of yummy chocolate when picking up your packet and swag. The sweatshirts, as always, are some of the best out there. I love this year's color and can you say zipper pockets!

The race starts and finishes in the heart of Uptown Charlotte with access to a ton of parking. There is even a light rail station within sight of the finish line. There are lots of aid stations, all with water, Gatorade and some kind of sweet treat (M&Ms, gummy bears, Swedish fish to name a few) located approx. every 2 miles throughout the course. The course is a challenge with several hilly areas, but hey, that is Charlotte for you. Uphill finishes are kind of the standard for every race. The race has free on course and finisher photography. I will for sure be back for year 7 next year, and may even run the new 10K distance.