Hot Chocolate Dallas

Hot Chocolate Dallas

Hot Chocolate Dallas

( 29 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Dallas,
    Texas,
    United States
  • February
  • 3 miles/5K, 9 miles/15K, Virtual Race
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Erica Haynes

McKinney, Texas, United States
60 33
2016
"Run for chocolate"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Erica Haynes's thoughts:

I really do enjoy the Hot Chocolate race series. Anyone can show up and have a great time. It's a well organized race and appeals to the speedsters, and those who are just wanting to enjoy every moment on the course. If you're ever available for the race I highly suggest running it at least once. You won't regret it.

Packet Pickup- You can add your QR code that you get after registration and the one they sent the week of to your Passbook. It’s a quick scan of that and your bib and your ticket is printed out with your assigned corral (more on that later)
Expo: Mostly clothing, there were two clothing booths that sold clothes, decals, and other little runner trinkets including gels and decals, and the official Hot Chocolate gear was there as well. If you are eyeing a particular item, buy it. I had hoped to buy things that I was on the fence about after the race but they no longer had my size. There's also music and of course, chocolate samples. There are bounce houses for the kids which is great for those picking up packets with children, it gives them something to do. Also, Fair Park charged $5 a car to park, so carpool if possible!
Parking: While parking is ample and moves fast once you get into the gates, getting to the gates is nothing short of a hot mess. Expect to be sitting in line to park for at least 30 minutes, depending on your arrival time that could be shorter or longer, who knows. Also, it’s quite a hike to the start line so make sure you have EVERYTHING you need before heading out so you don’t have to make the trek back.
Corrals/Gear Check: Gear check was organized and indoors which gave runners options to indoor bathrooms and warmth before the start. Everyone was assigned a corral based off their expected finish time, and it was printing on the tag on your bib. I will say I didn’t notice anyone actually checking to see if people were in the right corrals. You could apply to be in a preferred corral by submitting proof of time, and I was happy to be placed in the second corral, and the race went on as scheduled and smoothly, I didn’t have to worry about weaving in and out people at the start.
Course: I really have no words, there wasn’t anything scenic about it. It’s always fun to run through the Dallas neighborhoods, but the roads were horrible due to construction. The volunteers at the water stops really made the course exciting.
Aid Stations: They were well stocked and spaced out properly, they had Nuun and the flavors were made known via big Nuun signs before entering the station, water, as well as sweet treats, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, and M&M’s.
Post Race: There’s music, bounce houses, official Hot Chocolate gear for sale, as well as the line to get your finishers mug. The line moves very fast and they even have bags to allow you to take home your mug without messing up your car. There was also music playing so that people could stick around and hang out for the bit and just enjoy the moment.
Overall: I would do it again. It’s just one of those races that’s fun to link up with your friends and to have a good time. It’s such a low-pressure atmosphere that any runner can truly feel comfortable running out there. The corrals help out a lot with that so that you’re with people who at the same level as you. I will forever recommend this race to the first timer who wants to dip their toe into running.

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