This was my second year doing the Philly Hot Chocolate. There were LOTs of communications from the race from the time I signed up all the way through race day. They even sent a weekly training plan for beginners for the 15K which was awesome.

I enjoyed the expo last year. I honestly can't remember what the hours were but they must have been later than this year because I took the whole family after work. This year the hours were only until 6 both thursday and Friday which is almost impossible unless you work in the city to make it on time after work. My sister lives in the city so she picked my stuff up with hers which was super easy she said. The jackets were even better this year than last year and completely different which is great for those of us that do the same race more than once.

Race day was fun but rainy (nobody but mother nature's fault!). They had corrals again which is great since there are over 6000 that do the 15K. There were tons of potties so utilizing those pre-race was easy and quick. The course is nice as it heads towards city hall for about a half mile before turning back around to head down MLK drive and finishes in front of the Art Musuem. There were many well stocked, well manned aid stations with water and Nuun. Only one aid station had marshmallows, we did not see chocolate anywhere on the course.

We received our awesome medal and water immediately upon finishing and it was easy to find my sister and her bf. We claimed our chocolate goodies in no time at all. They have more than enough stations so that it doesn't take long. The weather was unfortunate as we didn't feel like standing around and hanging out much to enjoy any festivities but we still had a great morning at the race.

You can check out more of my personal experience here: http://runningmarathonmom.blogspot.com/2016/04/who-doesnt-love-chocolate.html