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Hot Chocolate Runs: Great Post Race Treats!
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
The SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Runs series is one of the few 'novelty' events to survive Covid. Under new ownership it's still the same format and operates in multiple cities across the US. 10 mile, 15km, 10km, or 5km events held in the colder months, they are a great way to experience running on closed roads in some great locations and have some real fun at the same time. The post race goodies are awesome!
What?
If you love chocolate and you live in the US you need to be looking at one of these events. Held in the fall and winter months in some of the country's biggest cities they are well organised road races from 5k to 10 mile, but with a difference. Everything is themed chocolate and the treats at the end are all focused on our favorite snack. Running and chocolate; a perfect combination! Thanks to the pandemic the virtual series has remained. It was a replacement, but now it compliments the series that runners aren't limited to the physical venues. Importantly, although can be loosely called novelty runs, they are serious events. USATF sanctioned courses they have accurate timing chips and there are wave starts for larger events, with preferred start corrals for qualified participants.
History
The first Hot Chocolate event took place in 2008 in Chicago. Three years later, the series expanded to multiple cities across the country for the first time. Today, the Hot Chocolate Series consists of 17 live events across the country and a virtual event so runners from across the world can enjoy the Hot Chocolate run experience from anywhere.
The Hot Chocolate Runs are known as America’s sweetest race. The series is widely regarded for its award-winning goodie bags featuring premium swag and tasty chocolate treats.
Race Organiser
Ventures Endurance Events. They also operate a number of marathons and half marathons across the country, including events in Fargo, Milwaukee and Portland
When and where?
The events are held between October and April each year in major cities across the US, including San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle and Tampa.
Distances
5km, 10km, 15km or 10 mile
Is there an Expo?
Each event has an expo where runners need to collect their race day packet and race swag. There is a merch shop for exclusive Hot Chocolate Run swag and vendors showcasing running gear and supplements to prepare for race day. There is a lot of chocolate both to buy and sample!
How many runners?
150,000 across the series.
Course
The Hot Chocolate Runs are held in some quality locations. The Chicago event for example is held within Grant Park, the home of the Chicago Marathon, with all distances starting at 7.30am the 15k starts and finishes in the Park and takes in Lake waterfront and some of its famous landmarks like the Chicago Theatre and Millenium Park. In San Francisco it all happens in Golden Gate Park and in San Diego it's Petco Park, another fantastic downtown location. Whichever event you choose you're pretty much guaranteed a gold medal location for the start and finish.
Talking about the finish, what would a Hot Chocolate Run be without the chocolate? The sweetest award awaits you at the finish line. There's a finisher mug overflowing with chocolate fondue, dippables, and, of course, the famous hot chocolate. And there's the quality chocolate themed finishers medal.
Hot Chocolate Run kits are choc-full of goodies, including an exclusive jacket and finisher’s medal that will make you melt are included with every Hot Chocolate Run registration.
What's unique?
The chocolate. There is no event that offers such a tribute to chocolate than these events.
Do charities benefit?
Ventures Endurance supports a number of non-profits through their official charity program. Their official charity parter is Special Olympics.
You can of course raise money for whichever charity you prefer.
Our verdict
This is a really cool series that gets its marketing and its delivery spot on. The theme is great, the courses are good and the chocolate swag is everything it says it will be. The colder the day the better and then you really feel the benefit of the hot chocolate! The races are generally fun to be involved with and there is much more relaxed atmosphere than in many events of similar distances. There are also free photos for all runners, which really helps spread the message on social media.
How to register
Online via the website.
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