Overall Rating
Overall Rating (10 Reviews)
4.2
(10 Ratings)  (10 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
4
SCENERY
3.4
PRODUCTION
3.8
SWAG
4.4
America’s sweetest run is back for our most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in San Diego! Start and finish at Petco Park among San Diego’s biggest chocolate aficionados. Enjoy a beautiful run through the city’s most scenic spots. With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 09):
  2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
 
H (°F)  69  63  63  62  71
L (°F)  51  48  46  50  52
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Recent reviews

    KelliKO FIRST-TIMER '19

    I participated in the 5K last year, so I knew it was a challenging course. The 15K is also quite hilly, but was not nearly as bad as I expected. … MORE

    I participated in the 5K last year, so I knew it was a challenging course. The 15K is also quite hilly, but was not nearly as bad as I expected. The course is well designed and provides plenty of flat running for recovery from the climbs. The race pullover is always very nice and the colors are fantastic. I enjoy the chocolate, but it isn’t what makes this race great. The production is great and support is good as well. Would highly recommend this race.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    KelliKO FIRST-TIMER '18

    This is a tough one. There are a ton of hills on this course. I was originally going to do the 15K, but I had to downgrade to the 5K … MORE

    This is a tough one. There are a ton of hills on this course. I was originally going to do the 15K, but I had to downgrade to the 5K since I had emergency gallbladder surgery only three weeks ago. But this was the most challenging 5K I have ever run. The pullover that you get is super nice and the Hot Chocolate goodies at the end are great. I wish the 5K gave out a medal, but I’ll live. The staff were great and had no problems with my downgrading my race. Scenery was just okay and mostly ran through business areas.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

    2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    mamajoni FIRST-TIMER '18

    The swag is awesome and well worth it for the price. The jacket you’ll receive is worth the entry fee :). I wish I had known it is virtually all … MORE

    The swag is awesome and well worth it for the price. The jacket you’ll receive is worth the entry fee :).

    I wish I had known it is virtually all uphill. Train for hills if this is your first time.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    TeeBabi REPEAT RUNNER '17

    I’m not a fan of this course. It sucks all to be damned!! I only run it because I have a lot friends who do, as a group. THEY make … MORE

    I’m not a fan of this course. It sucks all to be damned!! I only run it because I have a lot friends who do, as a group. THEY make it fun. This race is considered a local “training/maintenance” race for me. But I’d recommend LV or SF Hot Chocolate for a better experiences.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    4

    2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    mommastew FIRST-TIMER '16

    Lots of chocolate and sweets at the expo, water stations and finish line. I couldn't eat the chocolate during the run, but the fondue-filled finisher's mug with dippers was delish! … MORE

    Lots of chocolate and sweets at the expo, water stations and finish line. I couldn’t eat the chocolate during the run, but the fondue-filled finisher’s mug with dippers was delish! Super cute jacket instead of a t-shirt, and cute candy bar medal. I was shocked at how hilly the course was! Not much in the way of scenery, and had to step over lots of homeless people and trash to get to the start line. San Diego is such a beautiful place – I wonder if they couldn’t find a nicer area to hold the race. All in all though, it was a fun time and I was sugared out at the end!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    1
    SWAG
    5

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    Profile photo of Brigette V-Tillman
    littlebvt REPEAT RUNNER '16

    The race is always started with a pre-race warm up that gets everyone hyped! The medal is adorable! The race jacket (included with registration) is well made. The hills are … MORE

    The race is always started with a pre-race warm up that gets everyone hyped! The medal is adorable! The race jacket (included with registration) is well made. The hills are definitely challenging but a great accomplishment once you’re past those obstacles! Would do this every year, if possible.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    fquijada FIRST-TIMER '16

    DO THIS RUN.. if you don't mind hill. And if you don't do hills, start and do this run. Perfect operation from the registration to the finishline hot chocolate picnic … MORE

    DO THIS RUN.. if you don’t mind hill. And if you don’t do hills, start and do this run. Perfect operation from the registration to the finishline hot chocolate picnic going on in the finish area.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    ecrunner06 FIRST-TIMER '15

    GREAT MEDAL, makes it all worth it. You have to do the 15k, though. The course was cool, somewhat challenging, but overall an easy run. Finishes at Petco, so you … MORE

    GREAT MEDAL, makes it all worth it. You have to do the 15k, though. The course was cool, somewhat challenging, but overall an easy run. Finishes at Petco, so you get to see a lot of downtown. Fun race, and great chocolate at the end and throughout the race. YUMMY!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    NorseSunRun REPEAT RUNNER '15

    This run is just east of downtown San Diego with adequate parking if you're familiar with the area could be tricky if you're not. The running group is on the … MORE

    This run is just east of downtown San Diego with adequate parking if you’re familiar with the area could be tricky if you’re not. The running group is on the large side of medium but entire streets are closed off giving runners plenty of room to maneuver.
    PROS- Water stations adequate on course however be aware of the bleach infused water at the finish (2015), hooded sweatshirt instead of a shirt, chocolate at the expo and plenty of hills in scenic old neighborhoods.
    CONS- Angry car drivers trying to get around closed streets, bleach as preservative in finish line water YUK, some parts of course not so scenic and very loud PA system (bring ear plugs).

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    2

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    ohseachelle FIRST-TIMER '15

    Hills Hills everywhere! Though a packed course, it never felt too crowded through the streets. One of the most fun runs I've done to date... perfect weather, fun views, unique … MORE

    Hills Hills everywhere! Though a packed course, it never felt too crowded through the streets. One of the most fun runs I’ve done to date… perfect weather, fun views, unique crowd.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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