The Sweetest Spring Race in Town: The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k
In the bleak months of winter, runners of all types flock to their calendars and start to plan their spring and summer races. While there are many races to choose from, the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in Minneapolis sets itself apart as one of the best, and sweetest, spring races. If you’re new to the Hot Chocolate series (now running in 15 cities!), know this: this ain’t no rinky-dink run with a bar of chocolate at the finish. No, the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k is a different kind of race entirely, and one that you really, really don’t want to miss.
Read more: 3 Reasons You Should Run the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k
The Hot Chocolate Run Minneapolis: A Very Sweet Race!
The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k is an extremely well organized event taking place on Saturday, April 15th in Minneapolis. Runners can choose one of two distances, both of which offer free runner tracking, and are treated to a beautiful course around Boom Island and along the Mississippi River. The best part? A variety of delicious, sweet chocolate treats along the course and at the finish.
(Psst…if you need help training, RAM Racing even offers a free personalized training plan from McMillan Running for all participants!)
Of course, there’s more to the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k than just chocolate. We spoke with Steve Ginsburg, CEO of RAM Racing, to find out what makes this event so special.
“We never stop trying to improve every aspect of our races,” said Steve. “We don’t just do what we think needs improving, we’re always surveying our runners and making them a big part of the event. For example, they chose the goodie bag style and color this year. And of course there’s the old adage, ‘Who doesn’t love Chocolate!'”
Who doesn’t love chocolate, indeed! Here are our top three reasons to run The Hot Chocolate 15k or 5k this April:
Chocolate
This race isn’t called the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k for nothing! Along the course, runners will find sweet stations filled with M&Ms, chocolate chips, and other sweet treats. At the finish, runners receive a mug filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and chocolate squares, plus plenty of dipping snacks (think pretzels, marshmallows, and cookies.) Bonus: all chocolate is gluten free and nut free!
SWAG (Stuff We All Get)
The chocolate isn’t the only great take-away from the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k. All participants also receive a beautiful finisher jacket (designed using input from 85,000 runners) and free race photos, and all 15k participants receive a huge chocolate bar shaped medal. That’s an impressive haul from a shorter distance race, and not one you see very often!
Runner-Focused
Yes, this is a race focused on running and chocolate, but it’s also a race focused on you, the runners! The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k prides itself on being friendly to runners of all types. The course is USATF certified, perfect for competitive runners (there’s even an elite field and cash prizes!), and the chocolate themed festivities make the race great for non-competitive and fun runners, too. There’s something for everyone at this sweet, chocolatey event!
There are lots of reasons to run The Hot Chocolate 15k/5k on April 15th, but we’re positive that the experience alone will make it worth it. “If you provide a runner with a memorable and efficient race experience, they will keep coming back,” Ginsberg told us. We can’t help but agree!
Are you running The Hot Chocolate 15k or 5k?
We’d love to know if you are racing, let us know in the comments below!
