The Hot Chocolate 15K fell on the same weekend I needed to run my 20 mile training run for Marine Corps. My usual running group was running the race so I signed up and figured I'd work out the logistics of piecing together my long run later. This was also going to be my first race in Denver since moving here this summer.

The expo was at some venue in downtown Denver. For me, it was convenient since I work nearby. For people coming from the suburbs I could see the location being a problem, but I believe they allowed people to pick up other bibs as long as they had the confirmation email. The bib process was new to me as they printed out your personal information on the spot and affixed it to a bib. You would think this would be a slow process but it actually went pretty quickly. The only problem I could see was when the crowd got bigger and lines were longer since there wasn't much space for the lines with the way it was set up. The curtain wall separating the packet pickup from the expo was fairly close to the pickup tables and it was already kind of congested when I was there right when the expo opened. I liked that they allowed you the option of trying on and exchanging your jacket. Race shirts/jackets are so varied in fit that this is a big deal for me. The sizes were pretty accurate though, but that can also vary from year to year. The expo itself was pretty bare bones and about the only things that interested me was the table for a local race series and the clearance race items.

Because downtown parking (in any city) can typically be a pain on any given day, much less on race day, my running group carpooled and got there early enough (about an hour early) we were able to park on the street for free. The race started on time and the start was well-organized. The course itself was nice and wound through lots of different areas. I got to see different parts of the downtown commercial area (lots of places I want to go back and visit!) as well as some nice residential areas. The course support from both police and course marshals and other volunteers was great. I *loved* the aid stations because they all had sweet treats available and they were well-stocked.

The finish area was also top-notch. My group was able to easily find one another since we didn't all finish at the same time. We got through the line to get our post-race goodies quickly and easily and, because the race starts/finishes at a large park, there were plenty of places for people to sit and enjoy their treats. The race also supplied plastic bags if racers wanted to take their treats home.

Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed the Hot Chocolate race. My only negative was the price, but part of that was because I didn't register until much later. I realize it's a big race, but $70+ for a 15K was a bit steep, in my opinion. Still, I will probably run this race again next year.