The Hot Chocolate 15K/5K race was held on March 25th in San Diego; it was the inaugural race for this location, but Hot Chocolate has similar races across the country.
The race sold out and was capped at 7500 entrants. The registration fee:
15K – $65
5K – $45
As you might have read, RAM Racing (the company that puts on the Hot Chocolate series) invited myself and a bunch of bloggers to a media dinner back in February and gave us comped bibs and free hats.
The side of dingaling was all us.
Nicole, Monica, Sarah and Margot
And as many of you know, RAM had some big issues with the Hot Chocolate DC race, but they seemed committed to putting on a better event in San Diego.
THE EXPO
I didn’t attend the expo so I don’t have much to say about it. Sarah and Emily picked up my bib for me which was great. I always appreciate when a race allows someone else to pick up your bib for you, a definite perk for out-of-town travelers.
THE START
This is a race that I would definitely want to arrive early at just to avoid parking issues. On the race’s website, there was detailed information about parking structures with maps and trolley routes, but I still didn’t want to chance it so I arrived for the 7:15am start around 5:45am and did some warm up miles with these two hoodlums:
I parked in the Hilton structure at 8th and Ocean and it was $10, but I’m sure I could have found free street parking at that hour if I had searched around. This parking structure was a great location: a quick walk to the start and easy to get to. Get to the race early to avoid traffic!
The 5K started at 6:45am and the 15K started at 7:15. I love split starts because it eases congestion and the start was already crowded with the 15Kers:
There were corrals, I think A-E, that were easy to hop into, and the race started right on time.
THE COURSE
This is a hilly course: it starts uphill and the whole thing seemed to be rolling hills. There were some fast declines and some tough, long climbs.
Parts of the course were pretty; we ran through a park that overlooked the ocean and parts were sorta ugly. Near the finish we ran under the freeway where the sidewalks were lined with homeless people.
Pretty:
Not Pretty:
Water and sports drink were handed out every couple miles; I don’t there were any energy gels given, but I don’t think you need them either for a 9 mile race.
I believe there were timed mile markers at every mile; I remember seeing most of them.
Since I started closer to the front, I never felt like it was too congested or crowded. There’s not a ton of crowd support on the course, but there was a nice group of people at the finish.
THE FINISH
The course finishes with a nice, fast decline: you can see the ocean and you can just scream down the hill towards the chocolate.
The post-race is why people do this race: for the hot chocolate. You received a tray with a pretzel stick, banana, apple slices, marshmallow and rice krispie treat.
Then you were served the chocolate fondue and a cup of hot chocolate.
As far as I saw, there weren’t any lines or mishaps; I was served immediately. The chocolate and food was good, but I’m not a sweets eater post-race so I didn’t eat much of the actual chocolate.
There was a large area to congregate, hang out and eat. I think there might have even been bounce houses for kids. Ghiradelli handed out chocolate samples and I also snagged a couple energy bars.
In lieu of a medal, everyone received a black running jacket. I left mine in Sarah’s car so I haven’t even seen my yet, but it looked really cute on Nicole.
I’m not really sure why I care since all of my medals go in a box and aren’t displayed or anything, but I really like the act of receiving a medal after a race. I would honestly prefer a medal over a jacket, but that’s just me.
THE SUMMARY
From my experience, I think the race went off without a hitch. For an inaugural event, I was actually impressed; I didn’t notice any issues at all. Rock ‘n’ Roll group might want to take a hint…
It’d be a fun race to do with your family or girlfriends but probably not as a serious race.
The race is expensive – $65 for a 15K is pretty dang pricey in my opinion. And I’m not sure how well the whole “hot chocolate in March in San Diego” idea really fits… in Chicago in the winter, sure, but when it’s the end of March and 65 degrees, I don’t really want hot chocolate.
I doubt I’d pay $65 to run only 9 miles, but the race was well managed, it’s a fun after-party, and it’s something different than your typical race. Overall I’d give it a 8.56 out of 10.
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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I am with you about the hot chocolate in march? But whatevs, cool idea tho. Loved the tootsie outfit and love the pic of you crossing the finish line all on your own speedy lady! Way to go!
I like the idea of getting a running jacket … but I’d want the medal, as well. I’m so greedy.
Yeah, I agree with you about the medal… I wouldn’t wear the jacket, so I’d rather have the medal. That’s cool that they comped you, though!!
I like the idea of a jacket instead of a medal. Most of my medals just go in a random spot that I never see. At least I’d wear the jacket again if it was nice enough!
Sounds like it was a great race although eating chocolate after a race would make my tummy revolt!
Great review! I think I would want a medal, too. And the jacket!
I’m torn. I love my medals (have them hung on the edge of my bureau mirror), but I think a jacket would be more useful. Unless the insignia was really obnoxious.
I’m glad the race is getting their act together. Though I’m not sure how much of an apology it is to the DC racers for them to put on a good race in San Diego. Oh well.
great race review!
I love your race outfit – who’d have known that you’d get so much wear out of a tootsie roll outfit?? It’s adorable!
The chocolate fondue alone is enough to make me want to do one of these races. That’s a freakishly early start though! I’m not enirely sure my tummy would love chocolate at 8 or 9am, but it looks good all the same!
Love your tootsie roll outfit, how perfect for the event!
Heh. I’d take a jacket over a medal any day! I love useful prizes.
Good review. I did it and had fun. Yes, would agree on the medal too. I like seeing my accomplishments in the form of bling…but that’s me.
Love the costume too!!
I ADOREE your running outfit. Your sense of humor never fails, seriously too cute!
Yeah, 65 degrees is not hot chocolate weather! But how cute is the Tootsie Roll costume?
I ran Hot Chocolate Dallas back in early February and I have to say that I was really impressed with the race. I remember reading your post about the bad press after the DC race, so I was a little nervous but we had no issues in Dallas.
Here’s my review if anyone is interested! http://rebeccaandmichael.blogspot.com/2012/02/hot-chocolate-15k-race-review.html
I freaking love your costume. The end.
I would like a medal. I ran (my firt ever) 10km race today and at the end we got…… Wait for it……. A piece of paper that said that we had completed the race that you have to fill in your name and time yourself!!! Today I would have been happy with anything other than a piece of paper I had to fill in myself. Greedy?
I’ve been wanting to do a Hot Chocolate run for a while but I’ve never been able to fit one into my schedule.
And I agree, I’d much rather have a medal than a coat, but it seemed they were petty generous with everything they gave you!
Again, love love love that outfit
I understand wanting a medal! It’s kind of weird, because I don’t know what to do with them when I have them, but I want them anyway. Like a hoarder.
That is a super nice looking jacket though! Much more useful than the typical race-tee!
the hot chocolate race in dc was a total disaster! glad to see they shaped it up for california.
Sorry after they screwed up the run in DC last year, I would have a hard time ever running an event with them again. In DC they expanded the field to make more money on the race. The location could not handle the capacity, the race course was unsafe. Buses that were supposed to be busing people in from satellite locations could not reach the start in time. They ran out of food. I also heard Chicago was a disaster as well. All I can say about the organization running this is buyer beware.
The first Atlanta race was great! It was back in January this year. They’ve had a lot of time for improvements. I see LOTS of differences, though. They are advertising for round 2…I wouldn’t do it again because of the price increase! I’m with you…$65 for a 15k is a lot…the schwag was good, but I’d rather run a cheaper race without all the stuff. My review: http://mirandainmotion.blogspot.com/2013/01/hot-chocolate-15k.html?m=1