The Hot Chocolate racing series is an annual event hosted in 19 major cities from November until April. The proceeds from the racing series support the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The race has two distances participants may selected to do, 5k or 15k. This year was my second consecutive event in Philadelphia and I elected to do the full 15k distance.

Warming/Aide Stations:
Yes there are Warming Stations in the HC15K because this event is held from winter until early spring. This year the Warming station was a little smaller than the previous year, but still featured heated propane torches, stretching/warm-up zone, photo both, and giant hot chocolate hot tub. No spoilers, but you just have to see it and have fun with it. On the Course there are water/aide stations throughout in the normal distances (halfway through for the 5k) after mile 2, 4, 10k, and 8.5. At these stations volunteers will hand you water, Nuun, marshmallows, and CHOCOLATE. (This is a hot chocolate race after all. I would be disappointed if there was no chocolate on the course.) I will admit it, getting some marshmallow and/or chocolate during the race does help give you a little boost to keep you going, even if its just to the next station. There are also first aide stations in the race village.

The Course:
Both race courses start at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, make a quick loop around Logan Square and down Martin Luther King Drive and back ending at the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum steps. While running both distances you will have scenic views of the Schuykill River, Farimount Water Works, Boathouse Row, Strawberry Mansion, and the Philadelphia Art Museum. This is a road race, so besides the occasional pot hole, hey this race is held just at the very start of spring, it's fairly flat for both 5k/15k distances. This year some cherry blossoms and tulips were blooming during the race. Enjoy the scenery as you are zipping through the quieter part of the city.

Chocolate:
What is a hot chocolate race without the chocolate? You may participate to support the friends/family, achieve distance goal, but you stay for the chocolate. As a mentioned earlier, marshmallow and/or chocolate during the race is a nice touch and really hits the spot. And when you finish the race you are handed a mug with various snacks/goodies more warm gooey chocolate, marshmallow and a cup of hot chocolate. When you finish this race, that hot chocolate is well deserved. Indulge, you earned it.

Swag:
The goodie bag for the HC15K is notorious for having some of the best swag. This years full zip performance fleece was comfortable and roomy. Pending on when you register, there are other various which may be included such as hat or gloves.

To find out more information about future HC15K races please visit the website:
https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/philadelphia

The Rocky Balboa Run is an annual event held in the Art Museum section of Philadelphia. The theme of the run is the iconic Rocky movie franchise. Personally I look forward to this event because, who doesn't love Rocky.

Experience:
This is a really fun event. The energy is high and the atmosphere is really friendly. Throughout the event the play majority of the soundtracks from all the Rocky movies. The music is playing in the concourse, start/finish lines, and in addition on the course. In addition you will see a lot of participants dressed up like their favorite characters from the movie franchise. This year I saw plenty of Rocky, Mickey, Apollo, Clubber Lang, Adrian, and Paulie (yes, and this was the first year I saw a Paulie).

Packet Pick-up:
The packet pick-up for this event, I am not going to lie, happens to be one the smoothest for any race that I have experienced. Participants pick-up their packets the two days prior to the race on Boathouse Row. Parking is tough, but I have been able to find a spot fairly close without any issues. When you arrive at Llyod Hall, you are greeted and asked if you are picking up for yourself or anyone else, then you are directed to the bib table, and t-shirt stations. The volunteers are so friendly and helpful. The only only down side is the expo section. Its one table that features Rocky Run t-shirts and sweatshirts. Due to the size of the space its really all you need, but if you were looking to pickup anything (shoes, socks, nutrition options, etc) as you would at other races, this is not the event.

Distances and Course:
The Rocky Balboa Run has three distance options: 5K, 10 Miles, and Half Marathon/13.1. Participants can choose to run the 5K or 10 Mile options as individual races. However, if you need more of challenge the half marathon option allows you to run both the 5K and 10 miler, for the coveted Italian Stallion Challenge. Note, if you are going to do the half marathon, participants must maintain 13 min per mile pace in the 5K in order to be back in time for the 10 Mile start. Both the 5K and 10 Mile courses Start at the Philadelphia Art Museum, down MLK Drive along the Schuykill River. The scenairy is beautiful with the trees, walking path, and Boat House Row. The course if relatively flat, except for the hill on in the beginning of mile 4 on the 10 mile course, and the slight hill at the finish line for both distances.
Oh, did I mention there is a medal for each distance. And if you run the half marathon you get 3 medals. And all the medals are awesome.

Due to the course being fairly flat, I find this to be a good race for people starting out racing, getting back into running, or just a fun way to start to close out their year. People come from all over. I met a man this year who came up from Baltimore to participate in his first 5K. He said he wanted to do this race because of Rocky and it inspired him to just do his best. Seeing all the people dressed up like different characters also helps.

This is my second year participating in an event at the Runner's World Half Run Festival. Overall, this is great event. The positive energy, friendly participants, helpful volunteers and staff, Expo and activities make it worth coming back for.

The Course:
The 10k course lived up to all the expectations. If you have not done hills in any course, you will get an education. I ran the 5k course last year, so I had a good idea what I was in store for. The course starts by the Steele Stacks and goes through the town of Bethlehem. Running through main street and through the residential area is fun. After the bridge past about 1.25 miles into the race, there was a DJ station to keep you pumped. Mile 2-3 was the toughest as far as hills and incline are concerned. During this stretch you run through main street and into the residential district. You run past plenty of houses and if you have friends and family near by, the midway point is great for them to cheer along. The streets are tree lined and its easy to get loss in just enjoying the run and the scenery. Mile 4-5 was flat and slightly down hill, so that makes up for it. Also note, you go back past the same DJ station to get another fix pumping energy. The last mile take you back past the Casino and back to the Steele Stacks to finish the race. Its awesome coming down the stretch with all the people cheering for all the runners on either side. Hearing the announcer call out the runners finishing the race makes the event even better. Makes an average runner feel top tier when they cross the line.

The aid stations were set-up in all the normal places for 10k. Plenty of water and gatorde to keep you hydrated.

Advice:
The course is hilly, so make sure you have practice some hills prior. Get a nice stretch, and if the incline gets a bit much, just back down and take you time.

Festival:
I was there with my friends again this year. This is turning into our annual event. We got to meet and talk to so many different kind of runners. It amazes me how equally supportive everyone is for each other to stay healthy and have a fun time. I got approached by several people and had many discussions on a lot of running topics. Its nice to see no matter the experience level we all have the same issues and take advice well.

The Color Run Philly is a family friendly 5K race for all running skill levels. If you are nervous about doing the 5K distance, I strongly recommend this race as must do. Participants in the Color Run normally wear creative outfits and white shirts to be ready for 5K of pure fun and party. It hardly feels like a race. This is not a chip timed event.

Warm Up:
The warm up area is held in front of huge stage with DJs playing music to get the crowd hyped. Think about a night club atmosphere, but in the morning, with everyone getting ready to have a fun run. There are multiple coaches that lead the crowd through pre-race stretches and calisthenics. The music and the coaches get the crowd pumped and ready.

Course:
The courses fairly flat. Due to the amount of participants, the race advisors will allow participants to start in waves in order to manage crowd control. The starting line begins in the parking lot at Citizens Bank Park. You make your way around part of the stadium, then into the stadium running through the lower level concourse. But as a bonus experience, you run down onto the field by home plate, up the third-base line, and exit in behind left field. What an amazing experience by it's self, but the race is not over. After you run out of the stadium you run through the first of 5 color stations. Participants get doused with various colors.
The race course continue around the Sport Complex area where every kilometer you will run through more color stations. The stations included some with bubbles or dust. When you get to the finish line, you will run through the last color station and receive your medal.

After Party:
There is a cool down station, various refreshments and water for participants. If you thought the music in the beginning of the day was fun, then hold your onto your seats for the after party. There is more music, dancing, and colors flying around which allow you for multiple picture opportunities. A lot of fun for all that attend.

By the way, take a look at your white shirt at the end of the day. Trust me, it will now be a one of kind Color Run experience shirt.

Tip:
Keep in mind you will get doused in color throughout the 5K distance. With that in mind, if you have any clothing or shoes you do not want damaged, please keep this in mind. The color is mostly from dust and it is washable, however, it may not come out of some clothing.