The Hot Chocolate 15k made sure that the virtual experience was as close to normal as an in person race as they could get. Prior to race date, every registered runner was sent their swag bag with all the Hot Chocolate goodies that you would expect. Included was a very comfortable full zip hooded jacket, finishers medal, hot chocolate mix, and pieces of dark chocolate. About the only thing missing was the large serving mug that you get at the finish line.
I ran my virtual race on the scheduled race date, April 17th. I did managed to do it tied in with a 20 mile long run as I am in the middle of marathon training. If it was an in-person event, I would have changed my training to make the race work in my training schedule better. But for it being a virtual race, I made the best of it that i could.
Do I really like virtual races? Not really, they are getting very old at this time. While I do appreciate the swag, especially the jacket, I hope that the Hot Chocolate 15k races across the country are back in person next year. It just isn't the same as the in person event and I am not sure it is worth doing virtually. Like I said, love the jacket, the medal was alright, but I miss the experience this year.