Hot Chocolate Chicago

Hot Chocolate Chicago

Hot Chocolate Chicago

( 64 reviews )
81% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Chicago,
    Illinois,
    United States
  • November
  • 3 miles/5K, 9 miles/15K, Virtual Race
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Linda Juretschke

Chicago, Illinois, United States
21 15
2021
"Nine Miles of Chocolatey-Good Fun!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Linda Juretschke's thoughts:

Finally, after years of wanting to run this race, I got to do the in-person event! I always love a fun-themed race, and this one was fantastic. A friend picked up my packet for me on Friday, so I'm really using her rating of the expo here. She said it was small, but there were plenty of vendors and everyone was enthusiastic about the participants being there.

I had a bit of a parking debacle in the morning, but it all worked out in the end. There were tons more people running than I expected - not a problem - it just added to the fun! The weather was fantastic, nice and cool at the start and only a mild wind, which is always appreciated in Chicago!

The race started and finished in Grant Park and included a short run north on Columbus, then over to Michigan Avenue where we would run south for a few miles before heading over to the Lakefront Trail and then back north again, past Soldier Field, until we made our way back to Grant Park.

Lots of spectators lined Michigan Avenue and the energy was great. I would say the aid stations came about every 1-1/2 miles and at each they had water, Gatorade, chocolate (of course!) and sometimes some other types of treats. I didn't stop at any of the aid stations, but they never did seem too congested. People tended to grab what they needed an move along.

The post-race party was fun, with live music and a nice bowl that included hot chocolate, chocolate syrup, a marshmallow, a banana, Oreo cookies, and a mini Rice Krispy treat. The finishers' medal was awesome - it was the same for both the 5K and the 15K finishers, except for the size, with the 15K finishers receiving a larger medal. Runners also received an great zip-up jacket (the same one for either distance). Volunteers were also great throughout the course.

I would definitely run this race again! It was nice to do it in person this year, as it wound up being a virtual race last year. Highly recommended!

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