Packet pickup was pretty seamless. I picked up packets for four people on Friday afternoon and I was in and out within 15 minutes. That includes wandering time around the expo!

There is no race shirt, but instead we got pretty swanky jacket/sweatshirt hybrids. That thing is super-comfortable and cozy. If you're doing more than one Hot Chocolate race this year you may want to select a different gender for your second race as men and women got different color jackets.

The race itself was great. The course was beautiful. It took us through Golden Gate Park and then we spent several miles along the ocean. There were a few spots on the route to pull off and get to a beach if you wanted to get a nice pic mid race. I saw lots of people doing that!

If you're from the Bay Area, you'll find that the hills throughout the course are pretty minor. That was surprising to me for San Francisco!

At water spots we got water, Nuun and various sweet treats. One station had chocolate chips, the next had gummy bears, another one had marshmallows...I think there was a fourth station? Anyway, if you like your candy while racing, they've got you covered.

The treats at the end of the race were great. We got a hot chocolate, marshmallows, pretzels, a banana and some dipping chocolate (I know I'm missing some things.) The medal also looks delicious, but unfortunately, it is not edible. Also, you cannot beat free photos!

Overall, it's a great race. It was a bit out of the way for me as I live in Sonoma County, so I don't know if I'll do it next year. It sounded like the parking situation was really complicated for most people.

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