Intro: Looking back I definitely would recommend this race to anyone. The great thing about the Hot Chocolate series is that they have a 5K and 15K so its really for anyone at any level of running.

Expo: I normally never have time to go to the expo's because of class or work but I managed to find time to go to this one. The expo was at the Convention Center in Philadelphia which is pretty easy to get to. Before I even entered the expo, there were vendors handing me free samples (which was awesome). Packet pickup was very easy and effortless and there were a ton of volunteers. This expo was great because if you were in a hurry you could be in and out within 10 minutes. They had so many more booths giving out free samples plus a ton of other vendors with stuff for sale.

Race Day: The Philadelphia Hot Chocolate race was in the beginning of April which can be pretty chilly - and it was at the starting line, but after a mile or two I was more than comfortable in my long sleeve shirt. My friend and I parked in a parking garage a few blocks away and walked over to the starting line which was on the Ben Franklin parkway. Getting into the corrals were very easy and they weren't too crowded.

Course: This part was one of the only parts of the race that I didn't enjoy as much. It took place along MLKJ Drive along the river, which is beautiful... but after running 25 other races there, I must admit its kind of boring. It is nice because it's all flat which makes it easy to keep a steady pace and finish strong.

Finish: The race concludes in front of the art museum steps with a large crowd of spectators which is always a great way to finish. You're handed a medal (one of the coolest medals I own) and directed towards the food stands. There you are given a bowl with the most delicious hot chocolate ever in the center and melted chocolate with various foods to dip in the chocolate. Seriously one of the best things I've ever eaten after a race.

Cons: The only thing that I didn't like about this race was the jackets that were included in registration. Im the kind of person who will drop a good amount of money on a race just for the t-shirt and I'll even pay an additional fee to upgrade to a tech running shirt. BUT for this race, the entry fee ($65 when I signed up) included a zip up jacket with their logo on the front which I am not a fan of. Honestly I've never worn it and I probably never will so that was kind of a waste of money. I'm 90% positive there is no way to register without getting the jacket which is a bummer and they should probably change that.

Overall I would definitely recommend this race to anyone whether you run the 15K or the 5K. You get an awesome medal at the end and the yummy chocolate at the end is really what makes it worth while.