There are Hot Chocolate 5K/15K races all over the country, but I've only run the one in Columbus. I typically do half marathons, so the 15K is a nice distance … MORE
There are Hot Chocolate 5K/15K races all over the country, but I’ve only run the one in Columbus. I typically do half marathons, so the 15K is a nice distance when you want to run more than a 10K and do less than a half! There is a 5K that goes off at the same time as the 15K (typically a lot of walkers in the 5K that you have to run around) so luckily, the two races only share the same course for the first mile and then they split off. (Note – only the 15K finishers get the cool Hot Chocolate medal!) In years past, the course has run up High St all the way to the OSU campus and past the football stadium, but this year, they changed up the course to run near a park south of the downtown area for about 3 miles, and then go through a nice old neighborhood south of OSU campus, so no running around OSU. Which was fine I guess. The course is very flat with minimal spectators, but the refreshments after the race include a plastic mug full of goodies that you can dip in chocolate. Plus did I mention the very cool Hot Chocolate medal? 🙂 The jacket quality has decreased over the years and I was disappointed in how cheap the jacket was this year. The expo is kind of small, but the race is very well run and organized. Overall, it’s one of my favorite races, one that I’ve done for almost 5 years now.
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Run the 15K and get a cool medal!
There are Hot Chocolate 5K/15K races all over the country, but I've only run the one in Columbus. I typically do half marathons, so the 15K is a nice distance … MORE
There are Hot Chocolate 5K/15K races all over the country, but I’ve only run the one in Columbus. I typically do half marathons, so the 15K is a nice distance when you want to run more than a 10K and do less than a half! There is a 5K that goes off at the same time as the 15K (typically a lot of walkers in the 5K that you have to run around) so luckily, the two races only share the same course for the first mile and then they split off. (Note – only the 15K finishers get the cool Hot Chocolate medal!) In years past, the course has run up High St all the way to the OSU campus and past the football stadium, but this year, they changed up the course to run near a park south of the downtown area for about 3 miles, and then go through a nice old neighborhood south of OSU campus, so no running around OSU. Which was fine I guess. The course is very flat with minimal spectators, but the refreshments after the race include a plastic mug full of goodies that you can dip in chocolate. Plus did I mention the very cool Hot Chocolate medal? 🙂 The jacket quality has decreased over the years and I was disappointed in how cheap the jacket was this year. The expo is kind of small, but the race is very well run and organized. Overall, it’s one of my favorite races, one that I’ve done for almost 5 years now.
I run for chocolate!
This is a fast and flat course. It takes you from downtown up through the Ohio State University campus. There are many aid stations along the way and a few … MORE
This is a fast and flat course. It takes you from downtown up through the Ohio State University campus. There are many aid stations along the way and a few of them include chocolate candies!
The swag is amazing. Jackets, hoodies, etc. It’s something different every year. At the end of the race, you get a nice medal that could hurt someone if you’re not careful. Each medal is made to the city of the race so they are not the same. This would be a fun thing to collect. The gigantic mug at the end contains hot chocolate, dipping chocolate and a plethora of treats to dip into the dipping chocolate. It will completely restore your carb-spend unless you choose to ignore that fact and follow-up the race with a big breakfast, like I do. I’ve seen people throw away the mug. What a waste. They are perfect for holding paperclips and other what-nots that gather in my desk drawers, plus they are great conversation pieces.
You never know what kind of Columbus weather you will get for this race. I’ve run it every year since it came to Columbus and I experienced it all. Blizzards, rains, hot and muggy. That’s Ohio for you. Come prepared for all kinds and don’t trust the weather forecasts because it changes every 10-15 minutes.
If you love buying stuff, the expo is wonderful. If you don’t, there are still plenty of backdrops for selfies.
It’s a great race to do with friends. It’s also great if you are tackling a 15K for the first time. Perfect for families. All around good time.