America’s sweetest run is back for the most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in San Francisco this January! With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration! San Francisco chocolatiers will start …
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America’s sweetest run is back for the most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in San Francisco this January! With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!
San Francisco chocolatiers will start and finish at Golden Gate Park near the Music Concourse! The route runs along scenic California sights like the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Polo Fields, and Murphy Windmill. You’ll also run past the Great Highway near Ocean Beach, past the Bison Paddock (live buffalo farm), and through the JFK Promenade.
What would a CHOCOLATE run be without the CHOCOLATE? The sweetest award awaits you at the finish line. (And no, we aren’t talking about that well-deserved medal!) Indulge in a finisher mug overflowing with chocolate fondue, dippables, and, of course, our famous HOT CHOCOLATE!
Discover a chocolate-lover’s oasis at the post-run party at Golden Gate Park! You’ll celebrate in one of San Francisco’s most iconic parks with music, vendors, and a Chocoholic finisher’s mug full of fondue, dippables, and hot chocolate.
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Amazing race to start new year
Amazing race . Great organization . Wonderful course Reasonable Price and swag are top class Can’t miss heavy middle and the finisher’s mug - Parking is an issue - porta … MORE
Amazing race . Great organization . Wonderful course
Reasonable Price and swag are top class
Can’t miss heavy middle and the finisher’s mug
– Parking is an issue
– porta potty doesn’t have sanitizers
– too cold in SF
Big race
Enjoyed the course, although it was crowded. Lots of people with selfie sticks that seem to be running with no regard to anyone else on the course. The start is … MORE
Enjoyed the course, although it was crowded. Lots of people with selfie sticks that seem to be running with no regard to anyone else on the course. The start is a chaotic. I was never sure if I was in the right place for the right race or what. There were very few support stations on the course. I think there was one water station at the turn around. I didn’t even see the water at the end of the race. I liked the jacket we received, but that was about the extent of the swag. The expo was in the back of store in California, but there was free beer there and lots of things for the race, so that was nice. This was our first time to race in California, so having to ride a shuttle was novel but was well coordinated, even though it added quite a bit of time to the morning. I have never attended a race where there was no security what so ever. I found the after race hot chocolate to be a little over whelming and gross to be honest. There was no place to sit and so you were jockeying for park benches while trying to juggle the hot chocolate, your medal, etc. It was a novel experience, but I wouldn’t knock myself out to attend one of these races again.
What a beautiful run
What a Beautiful course. enjoyed it. So many happy people. Hot Chocolate at end of race was delicious and for so many people it was so organized. MORE
What a Beautiful course. enjoyed it. So many happy people. Hot Chocolate at end of race was delicious and for so many people it was so organized.
Good race for 1st timers
It is a great non-competitive vibe that is great for runners just getting into racing for the first time! There are thousands of people running in each of the distances … MORE
It is a great non-competitive vibe that is great for runners just getting into racing for the first time! There are thousands of people running in each of the distances so the race includes people of many different skill levels. If you are looking for a chill and relaxed race to run in, this is perfect for you!
Da Best Local Family Friendly Run
Easy course with low elevation. Views throughout golden gate park always gorgeous & fresh air along pacific hwy and views of ocean beach well fantastic. Extremely organized for10,000+ participants, swag … MORE
Easy course with low elevation. Views throughout golden gate park always gorgeous & fresh air along pacific hwy and views of ocean beach well fantastic. Extremely organized for10,000+ participants, swag exceptional, felt safe around course, even traffic & parking was not as much of a challenge driving in from San Jose. Overall, glad i finally ran this one. Alot of fast runners but $$ purse was a draw for them. Made for a great overall vibe. The gummy bears & chocolates along race course is a nice touch. Oh, and if you’re a medals person, you were not disappointed! Good quality.
Grear experience as a first timer
There should be more enthusiasm People should cheer others There should be more enthusiasm People should cheer others There should be more enthusiasm People should cheer others MORE
There should be more enthusiasm
People should cheer others
There should be more enthusiasm
People should cheer others
There should be more enthusiasm
People should cheer others
Great First Race!
The communication around the race & weather was really well done. The course was maintained even though we had just been hammered by rain all week. People were all super … MORE
The communication around the race & weather was really well done. The course was maintained even though we had just been hammered by rain all week. People were all super friendly, the post-race snack was great! I’d definitely do this one again. It was my first 5k ever and I had a really lovely time. Thank you to those who put it on!!
This was a fun race!
I like races that have a "personality" to them. This one definitely does. It was fun, festive and gorgeous. It was very well run- I know they face inclement weather … MORE
I like races that have a “personality” to them. This one definitely does. It was fun, festive and gorgeous. It was very well run- I know they face inclement weather challenges in San Francisco this time of year- and this year there was a looming nasty storm that could have impacted the race. But it cleared up towards the morning, and the race officials kept their finger on the pulse and since the weather cleared up, they did not shorten the race from the middle segment (a problematic section that gets closed in nasty storms). I had a great time yesterday- recommend this race.
Fun race with a beautiful course
Really pretty course through golden gate park and along the great highway with views of ocean beach. Not a fan of the honey stinger hydration (way too sweet) and bag … MORE
Really pretty course through golden gate park and along the great highway with views of ocean beach. Not a fan of the honey stinger hydration (way too sweet) and bag check pick-up was pretty chaotic, but an overall well ran race.
Always a favorite
Fifth year running the Hot Chocolate 15k in San Francisco. This is one of my favorite races. I love the jacket and medal and the chocolate at the finish. This … MORE
Fifth year running the Hot Chocolate 15k in San Francisco. This is one of my favorite races. I love the jacket and medal and the chocolate at the finish. This year they added a medal for the 5k which seemed to bring a lot more, over 6200, 5k runners out for the fun. There was also over 5500 runners for the 15k. RAM Racing does an excellent job producing the Hot Chocolate Run. Aid stations are stocked with water and NUUN sports drink. Each aid station also has a special treat such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, and M&Ms. There are lots and lots of volunteers. The only thing that is cumbersome about this race is that you have to pick up your bib at the Expo. There is no race day pick up. it can be difficult to pick up your bib coming from outside San Francisco Peninsula area. I will be back for year six in 2021.
Mmmmmm
Golden Gate park+Ocean Beach with a side of Buffalo. 😎 Ever changing scenery. Yummy chocolate. Shuttles are easily navigated. Expensive race (plus parking and shuttle) unless you get in a … MORE
Golden Gate park+Ocean Beach with a side of Buffalo. 😎 Ever changing scenery. Yummy chocolate. Shuttles are easily navigated. Expensive race (plus parking and shuttle) unless you get in a year early. Loooong Ocean Beach stretch so be prepared for that. Weather can be challenging and may alter course or distance. Expo is decent.
Well Organized Event
I had mixed feelings about this event... the pros were the location and how well it was organized. It was probably the best organized running event I'd completed. The only … MORE
I had mixed feelings about this event… the pros were the location and how well it was organized. It was probably the best organized running event I’d completed. The only negative for me was the “chocolate” theme. I run to feel healthy and fit, but something about the chocolate theme seemed contradictory to the health benefits of running for me.
Chocolate lover type of race!
Fun race with lots of chocolate goodies. I especially love the hot chocolate after the race. Yummy! The course at San Francisco was okay. Not too flat, some hills. Nice … MORE
Fun race with lots of chocolate goodies. I especially love the hot chocolate after the race. Yummy! The course at San Francisco was okay. Not too flat, some hills. Nice city and ocean views.
Biggest storm in SF this yr!
2017 the cut the race short to 5.8 miles because of a MASSIVE rain storm. They will run rain or shine. Quite a larger race. If you don't purchase a … MORE
2017 the cut the race short to 5.8 miles because of a MASSIVE rain storm. They will run rain or shine. Quite a larger race. If you don’t purchase a buss/shuttle pass it’s ok; no one checked for ours. Everyone likes this race because of the metal and sweatshirt or jacket you get. the chocolate at the end & cup is cool buuuuut after running I’m not one for dipping everything in chocolate.
Rain, Rain GO AWAY
The course was shortened due to strong wins and rain. It is a hilly course, but that is to be expected in San Francisco. Very well organized. Love the Finisher's … MORE
The course was shortened due to strong wins and rain. It is a hilly course, but that is to be expected in San Francisco. Very well organized. Love the Finisher’s mug filled with chocolate fondue and goodies.
Nice novelty race
Quality jacket and unique runner swag. The course was shortened(5.9miles)for safety reasons. It was quiet windy and rainy before and after. During my actual run the weather was not too … MORE
Quality jacket and unique runner swag. The course was shortened(5.9miles)for safety reasons. It was quiet windy and rainy before and after. During my actual run the weather was not too bad. The light rain felt good. A huge tree branch did fall on the course. Might be because the weather but the organization was pretty messy on race day. Prepaid for shuttle but no one even checked our tickets. Finding starting line,as well as other things, was a task. Race even began early.
2016 Race was much better
My headline suggests that 2016 was much better and let me explain. Last year was my first year. Because i was one of the first to register for the race, … MORE
My headline suggests that 2016 was much better and let me explain.
Last year was my first year. Because i was one of the first to register for the race, it earned you a shirt with San Francisco embroidered on it. The jacket was awesome, but they somehow ran out of my size so i had to settle for one size larger with the embroidered, or my size with out it. Seems they should have figured it out who gets what.
Fast forward to this year, and the jacket was disappointing, the colors i gather were voted on, but i guess i thought it would be a thin layered jacket. That and there was no special embroidering for registering in the first day when it opened. They were suppose to send you a special hat, but that didn’t happen.
So starting this race i was already a bit annoyed. that along with it being hard to get to, being in San Francisco.
Leading up to the race, i wondered if it would be cancelled because of the horrible storm. Instead of cancelling it, they shortened it to a 9.8 k. They couldn’t even make it into a 10k.. What is up with that. They should have just cancelled this race and refunded the money, or figure out how to make it into a 15k or at least a 10k.
Then at the end, the medal was cool, but not as interesting as last year, and their plastic mug of treats was the exact one from the previous year. Recycling old stuff? At least, AT LEAST stamp it with the year.. If its intended to just be thrown away, don’t advertise it as a perk of the race.
Anyway, its a bit of a pain in the butt race, and i don’t think i will do it again without changes…
As good as it could be
The 15K had to be shortened to something like 9.5K due to weather. I was looking forward to running the Great Highway, but that part of the course was closed … MORE
The 15K had to be shortened to something like 9.5K due to weather. I was looking forward to running the Great Highway, but that part of the course was closed due to high wind and heavy surf. The weather during the run was certainly not ideal, but not as bad as it could have been. Still, the last 2-3 miles back through Golden Gate Park were tougher than I had prepared for–uphill the entire way. Nothing terribly steep, but still tiring. This is definitely a positive-split course.
The 2017 race was as well-run as it could be considering the weather. There were no mile markers because the wind would have knocked them down, so it was difficult to pace myself, especially since I had prepared for a 15K and had to adjust to a weird new distance. Post-race chocolate and goodies were well-done, but the increasingly worsening weather had everyone chugging their hot chocolate and getting out of there.
The worst part of this race is the logistics of getting there. There’s a convoluted shuttle system that requires you to find parking at Union Square or SF State and then pay additional money to catch a shuttle to the park. I opted for a parking lot in the Richmond which required a 2-mile walk to get to the park. So we were soaking wet long before the race began. Even worse was the 2-mile walk back as our body temperatures started to drop and the shivering set in.
Chocolate not cancelled!
Registered way back in November for earlybird pricing, and chose to sign up again since race day 2017 fell on my 31st birthday...did not get the promo code for the … MORE
Registered way back in November for earlybird pricing, and chose to sign up again since race day 2017 fell on my 31st birthday…did not get the promo code for the free visor this time.
Chose to have my packet mailed rather than pickup in person at the race expo, which included the bag, jacket, and bib (mine was missing the safety pins). Jackets could be exchanged at expo or mailed back if the wrong sizing. Women’s Small fit me well, as with the 2016 jacket, but 2017 has a hood, thumbholes, and more embroidery. The women’s were light grey, while the men’s were dark gray. 5Kers only get the jackets; 15Kers receive the jacket and the medal upon finishing the run.
Shuttle passes available in advance for several shuttle stops, parking passes as well. We did the same as last year and chose to park at SF State University garage and take the shuttle bus to Golden Gate Park. No one checked our papers which indicated we paid for the passes. Super lame.
Due to the crazy storm weather January 8th, 2017, 15Kers were given the option to run the earlier race (shorter distance) with the 5Kers, or do the longer distance at the scheduled time. Turns out, race morning, the 15K course was shortened to exclude the Great Highway coastal portion, which meant the run only totaled 5.9 miles — less than 10K in all, hilly. About 10,000 people still showed up (both distances combined total) and finished the run, which is still impressive considering the conditions.
Race organizers decided not to cancel the race. Not sure what happened to all those who stayed home — whether they got their jackets/medals or not. No remote/virtual or transfer options.
Ponchos, garbage bags, gloves, etc. adorned the field of runners. Pacers, aid stations, volunteers still out there…even an official race photographer out on the concourse near the hot chocolate distribution area. Mile markers and inflatables other than the start/finish were not displayed due to gale force winds though. Eucalyptus tree bark and branches did fall, waterfalls/lake levels high, some mud and puddles.
Race bling is still an impressive candybar medal, this year all gold except for the “chocolate” in brown, SF-specific. Hot chocolate was piping hot, with marshmallow, banana, rice krispie, pretzels, biscoff for fondue dipping in the mug. Bag check and store for more HC gear were open but I did not avail. The open-air concourse was quite rainy and exposed, so most sought shelter post-race. Also, finding the shuttles again was a bit confusing/challenging, but we made it.
Race results posted very quickly (live runner tracking available too to update via text or Facebook through Chronotrack timing), and official race photos free downloads.
Shorten course, but still Chocolate!
Second time running the Hot Chocolate in San Francisco. This year, I was supposed to run the 15k, but due to a heavy winds and rain, the course was shortened … MORE
Second time running the Hot Chocolate in San Francisco. This year, I was supposed to run the 15k, but due to a heavy winds and rain, the course was shortened to 5.9 miles. They removed the portion that we run on the Great Highway. We stayed in the protected areas of Golden Gate Park. Don’t get me wrong, we were still subjected to wind and rain and large puddles and tree debris. We definitely had to be aware of where we were placing out feet, but the full force of the storm didn’t come in until the race was over. Golden Gate Park was still beautiful even in the rain.
Due to the weather, the timing clocks at every mile were not out. There were no Hot Chocolate inflatables. Aid stations were scaled back a little due to the wind. They still had plenty of volunteers handing out water and Nuun sports drink. Aid stations still had chocolate chips and marshmallows. There were plenty of course monitors to direct us and cheers us on. I give a lot of appllause to all the volunteers that stood out there for hours in the rain and wind.
At the finish, I still got my 15k medal. Most importantly, we still got our finisher’s mug filled with hot chocolate, melted chocolate for dipping, a banana, marshmallow, rice krispy treat, pretzels, and cookies. The hot chocolate tasted especially yummy after getting chilled off from the rain and wind.
I feel that the Hot Chocolate 15k race directors still put on a great race despite the terrible weather. They made the correct call to shorten the race because the Great Highway was just too dangerous. I will definitely run this race again in 2018.
Bib pick up took place on Friday and Saturday at the South San Francisco Convention Center.