The Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k has been a yearly ritual for my friends and I for many years. It was great to participate in the race in its sixth year in Atlanta. What made this year extra special was the 3 and 5 year legacy awards for Atlanta runners. Legacy awards were given to 5k and 15k finishers who ran either race distance consecutively for 3 or 5 years. The awards consisted of a medal and commemorative pin. This is my fourth consecutive year, so I was awarded the 3 year legacy award. 

 The Expo
The expo was held at the World Congress Center. This year it was held in Building A, which was shorter walk than its normal location in Building C. The expo was also smaller, but had plenty of vendors selling various items. Hot Chocolate and chocolate snacks were given out to get us ready for our post race goodies. 

Bib pick up quick and easy. The race also provided goodie bag (jacket) exchange. I choose a men's jacket, that fit well. I got the women's jacket when I paced Hot Chocolate Tampa. I only picked up a HC branded sweat shirt at the expo and my wallet rejoiced. I also met two fellow BibRave Pros who drove down to run the race.

The Race
The weather for the this race series is always a hit or miss. This year it was raining and cold. I have run in the rain and in the cold, but never the two combined. Nevertheless, I ran with my sweeper pacer crew through the rain and all the puddles. This year the course was a bit different in the past. It was classic Atlanta and one big difference was that we didn't run though Turner Field as we have in the past. I still got to cheer for GT as we ran through campus (Go Jackets!)

The race was fine. I am over complaining about Atlanta's hills. I do wish the police enforced better traffic control during race. Other that that, all was well. I am working hard to keep my legacy status, so I will be back in 2019 to earn my 5 year legacy award.