Hot Chocolate is back to in-person race this year! I was especially excited since this would be my 5th year running this race. So here is the breakdown:

Pre-race -
I opted in for the 5K in-person option this time as 15K option was not available due to city resource constraints. They mailed me the bib and insulated jacket about 3 days prior to the race (you can opt in for expo pickup also), and they even provided the pins for the bib.

Race day -
There were 5200 registrants for this year, so there was a huge crowd at Seattle center on race day morning. But the race organizers did a great job with signages so you knew where to go for start line corrals, customer service tent, and porta-potties.

The course is out-and-back with total elevation gain about 100ft (small hill on mile 2). The race promptly started at 7am, temp was in the high 30s. I was in corral A, the leading group took off like a dart after the gun went off. We ran around the wheelchair group. About 15 of us were shuffling and settling into own places. Throughout the next two miles, a few passed me and I passed a few. And finished with a time of 17:55.

Post-race -
After taking a medal pic at the hot chocolate backdrop. I went over to the beverage area and picked up the hot cocoa and snacks. It was quite delightful to enjoy that hot beverage on a chilly morning! A few hours later, all the race pics came in through an email notification.

This was quite a memorable race even after 5 years. I would highly recommend this race whether you are new to running or a seasoned racer!