Disclaimer: I received an entry to the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!
It’s been a few years since I last ran the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K but was definitely looking forward to this year. The initial plan was to run the 5K but I decided to try running the 15K instead. The training leading up to the race was pretty limited, mostly 3 mile runs with a few longer runs here and there. If anything, I would have used this as a long, training run for another race in the future. The event was very well organized, there were safety precautions at the race expo and all the different booths and stations were spread out the morning of the race. When you register for the race, you choose your estimated pace/finish time which then places you in a specific corral for the start of the race. None of the corrals were too crowded which was good to see. Here are the official results: 9.3 miles, 1:12:18, 7:46 min/mile. 45 out of 1,841 place overall, 28 out of 601 place for men, and 5 out of 72 place in my age group.
I decided to run with the 8:30 pacer to start the race. The initial plan was to run with the pacer for at least 3-5 miles but I only ended up running with the pace for about 2 miles before I decided to pick up the pace. Because I started the race slower, I had enough energy to pick up the pace and pass people throughout the race. Here are the splits: 8:35, 8:25, 8:28, 8:18, 7:36, 7:41, 7:07, 7:46, 6:41. It was a great progression of splits mile after mile. There were uphills throughout the race along with some much-needed downhills. In addition to hydration, some of the stations provided various treats and sweets. Since I was more focused on running, I did not take any of those, but it was a nice option. Speaking of nice, the race jacked and medals were amazing. All the treats at the expo and after the race were nice bonuses as well. I am looking forward to running the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K again!
