Hot Chocolate Philadelphia

Hot Chocolate Philadelphia

Hot Chocolate Philadelphia

( 43 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Philadelphia,
    Pennsylvania,
    United States
  • April
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 9 miles/15K, Virtual Race
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

TSean Laws

Abington, Pennsylvania, United States
2 9
2019
"Hot Chocolate in Philly"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
TSean Laws's thoughts:

The Hot Chocolate racing series is an annual event hosted in 19 major cities from November until April. The proceeds from the racing series support the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The race has two distances participants may selected to do, 5k or 15k. This year was my second consecutive event in Philadelphia and I elected to do the full 15k distance.

Warming/Aide Stations:
Yes there are Warming Stations in the HC15K because this event is held from winter until early spring. This year the Warming station was a little smaller than the previous year, but still featured heated propane torches, stretching/warm-up zone, photo both, and giant hot chocolate hot tub. No spoilers, but you just have to see it and have fun with it. On the Course there are water/aide stations throughout in the normal distances (halfway through for the 5k) after mile 2, 4, 10k, and 8.5. At these stations volunteers will hand you water, Nuun, marshmallows, and CHOCOLATE. (This is a hot chocolate race after all. I would be disappointed if there was no chocolate on the course.) I will admit it, getting some marshmallow and/or chocolate during the race does help give you a little boost to keep you going, even if its just to the next station. There are also first aide stations in the race village.

The Course:
Both race courses start at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, make a quick loop around Logan Square and down Martin Luther King Drive and back ending at the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum steps. While running both distances you will have scenic views of the Schuykill River, Farimount Water Works, Boathouse Row, Strawberry Mansion, and the Philadelphia Art Museum. This is a road race, so besides the occasional pot hole, hey this race is held just at the very start of spring, it's fairly flat for both 5k/15k distances. This year some cherry blossoms and tulips were blooming during the race. Enjoy the scenery as you are zipping through the quieter part of the city.

Chocolate:
What is a hot chocolate race without the chocolate? You may participate to support the friends/family, achieve distance goal, but you stay for the chocolate. As a mentioned earlier, marshmallow and/or chocolate during the race is a nice touch and really hits the spot. And when you finish the race you are handed a mug with various snacks/goodies more warm gooey chocolate, marshmallow and a cup of hot chocolate. When you finish this race, that hot chocolate is well deserved. Indulge, you earned it.

Swag:
The goodie bag for the HC15K is notorious for having some of the best swag. This years full zip performance fleece was comfortable and roomy. Pending on when you register, there are other various which may be included such as hat or gloves.

To find out more information about future HC15K races please visit the website:
https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia

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