Overall Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K is a well managed race. I enjoyed it! Worth the medal and came at the perfect time in my half marathon training.

No expo. Packet pick-up at local run shop, The Running Well Store. The staff there were exceptional and a nice store to shop in. I manage to pick up a few steal deals from their multiple discount bins.

Great thing is the opportunity to try on your soft race jacket, with hood and pockets, right there so you can exchange it if needed. Nice to not have to wait till race day to do that.

The course was a buy 1 get 2 free with a 5K loop around Kaufman and Arrowhead stadium that we ran 3 times. It only had 1 water station, which was manageable since it was so cold out. The elevation was very difficult. Rolling hills. Maybe they were smaller, steady grade inclines but they were still there, particularly the last mile of each 5K and I wished they were. I feel the course was only chosen considering the parking availability. I recommend they pick a different course next year!

Again? KC? Only if a different course! Any other course/city? #WillRun4Chocolate YES!

Did you VIP? If thinking of completing this race, I highly recommend the VIP Experience. SO WORTH the $25 extra!

No expo resulting in packet pick up at local KC Running Company Store. There I was given a VIP parking pass and VIP bracelet. Bracelet was similar material to a pace band, so tolerable to wear. Pass was put in dash of car and while others waited in a long line to park, I was waived on to the VIP area. Parking was AT THE START/FINISH line! It was great!

The VIP area allowed for a heated tent and luxury port'o john. It had running water WITHOUT a line. And remember even if there was a line, you are waiting in the warmth!

Race swag was a super soft and warm hoodie. I have had it on at least 4 days since getting it! lol

I hit a PB on the 10K by 3 minutes. The weather was cool but sunny! It was a lonely road without spectators and cheering. With a PR I guess that really didn’t bother me though did it. Half of the 10K course was trail and so the scenery paid off for the loneliness. Elevation was there, but manageable. Keep in mind part trail, so terrain is different.

Water stations, but their manning was not the best... had to wait for water at one:( At least I was only running the 10K, so not too big a deal.

Again? You bet w/ VIP!!!

While I am new to racing half marathons, I'm not too new to know that you don't start a half marathon at 830am resulting in the potential of folks finishing at 1030, 1130am and even later. It was dang hot! So hot that the water stations had kiddie pools with washcloths and ice in them to cool off participants. EXCEPT by the time I got to them, they were GONE. I feel this is unacceptable. It was just too hot. The temp you cant control, but I believe race mgmt needs to consider an earlier start and better managed aid stations.

At least one positive, the views were to die for! First two miles through downtown and then the next two up and over bridge, back downtown and then to the board walk. The boards were great under my feet. They had some give to them and it was well needed by the time it came.

Again? No. Unfortunately I will not be beck for this race unless some drastic changes in the race are made.

Great, well managed, local race. Fast flat through downtown and city park.

Packet pick-up at local running store. Race swag minimal with a basic cotton shirt. Would have loved a medal!

Race day parking is little challenging considering it is a downtown start. There is a free parking garage option about a half mile away.

Loved the cold beer and hot slice of pizza post race!

Again? Yes. It is my alma mater hometown.

PSA: No matter the distance you choose, if this is your 4th of July race, CARRY H2O! Being from Kansas, I knew it would be hot in Texas, but was surprised to see an 8:05am start!? I had my mind made to race this holiday and I loved the logo, this was the closest to our vacation hotel, and anytime this 5K-racer can get a medal... I'm in!

Expo/Packet Pick-up: No expo, but considering I was on vacation, flew in day prior and had to get bib morning of the race, I got there 6:45am, was open from 6:30-7:30, but it was smooth and organized. Since I was fairly early, parking was close, right there on site and managed by plenty of volunteers that made it easy.

Porta Potty: Not sure of the size of participants, but only 6 johns made for a wait.

Swag: T-shirt is an awesome spread eagle logo, boasting beautiful RWB colors for the perfect post race celebratory wear throughout the 4th of July weekend. Did I mention it is a Gilden (R) Softstyle (R) :) Who doesn't love that! And even the 1 mile finishers get a medal. This years was an eagles face with wings on the lanyard so that when you wear it, it appears to be an eagles with spread wings!

Water/Aid Stations: Water at 1.5 mile marker and 2.5 mile marker. I had to wait for a young volunteer to turn around to the table and get water for me:( If water is intended to be available, lets have it ready and available please!

Overall: I would do it again if I was in town. Smaller, fast-flat, run through upscale neighborhood, made this community race an opportunity to log more miles and benefit the Knights of Columbus Community Charities.