Race Recap: Hot Chocolate 15K

Hot Chocolate 15K
April 4, 2014

This was my second year of running this race.  Same as last year, it was the first weekend of April, but this year that weekend fell on Easter so the race was on Saturday.  Fortunately, they allow someone else to pick up your bib and swag, otherwise I would not have been able to do it!

Kasey picked up my stuff for me (thanks Kasey!) so I was able to come in after work on Friday.  This race may be a little more expensive for a 15K, but you get a really nice jacket with it (wearing in photo's below).

The race started at 8am so we didn't have to get up too early to get there.  The start was right in front of the art museum.  We were able to get a cab there - for about 3/4 of the way.  Then the roads were closed off for the race, so we walked the rest. 

Temperature wise, it wasn't too bad.  The wind however was something completely different.  It was crazy windy!  Kasey and I spent some time huddle under the merch tent trying to stay warm/out of the wind.  It was a losing battle let me tell you (the wind at least).

Pretty soon it was time to line up.  They were great about starting the race on time.  We were a couple of corrals in (I think the 3rd) so we didn't have to wait long to get started. 

The course is pretty simple.  A short out and back away from the art museum and then you head to the water for an out and back.  They have water stations throughout the main out and back as well as chocolate and marshmallow stations.  I actually took a couple of marshmallows this year - they surprisingly hit the spot!

I wasn't doing this race for time and Kasey had run the Love Half Marathon the weekend before so she wasn't running hard either.  It gave us an opportunity to catch up with all going that's on in our lives.  Because of this, I don't really have too many intense details about the race. 

Due to the wind and the out and back course, about half of the race was into a headwind.  Fortunately, it was the first part.  So coming back in, we had a nice headwind, which always helps. 

The finish line is right in front of the art museum, which does have a small hill heading into it.  Because I am a meanie, I made Kasey sprint to the finish with me (just kidding, she was up for it).  After crossing the finish, Kasey and I collected our medals, grabbed some water and headed to get out stuff.  Once we stopped running we got cold really quickly. 

And of course, the real standout is the chocolate bowl you get afterwards!  It is so yummy after a run.  You get some hot chocolate, dipping chocolate, a banana, marshmallows, rice crispy treats, wafer crackers and pretzels.  The hot chocolate is so yummy and perfect after a chilly race.  Kasey and I total ate it while walking back to her apartment. 

All the delicious goodies!

Overall, this was a really fun race.  I am glad I came and did it another year!  I like that they changed the jacket up so I didn't get the same one again.  In all honestly, I probably would not have done it again if it was the same jacket. 

I also was a big fan of the medal they added this year.  I mean, a gold chocolate bar?  How can you not love that!  It definitely was a big plus for me. 

Results
Official: 9.3 mi, 1:30:59, 9:47 pace
Garmin: 9.39 mi, 1:31:00, 9:42 pace

So much fun!

Anyone run a Hot Chocolate race?  What did you think?