Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate 15K Race in Philadelphia 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 that time of the year! Hot Chocolate registration is now open for your favorite city’s location! 2020 will be my 5th year running the Hot Chocolate 15k and I can wait to share the experience with all of you! But, don’t just take my word for it, sign-up and start making your own memories!
The HC15k Experience
When I initially lost around 40 lbs of weight, I was super eager to get back into running. I remember being really nervous about signing up for a race, let along actually being able to run 9.3 miles continuously. With the encouragement of my Mom, her and I both signed up for what proved to be a memorable experience.
Pre-running Ken didn’t care about shoes or gear or any of the stuff I find myself obsessing over today- all I could focus on was finishing a race over 9 miles.
We when got into the city, it was dreary and rainy, but our spirits were high, we couldn’t wait to tackle the course and enjoy the sweet reward of the chocolate finishers mug.
The crowd was amazing, and we found our friends and gathered in our corral. The pre-race hype was unreal, I could barely focus. All I remember is how much fun everyone was having despite a slow and steady mist-like rain that filled the air.
We had drawstring bags to hold our belongings, looking back we should have just checked our bags in, but I remember having to hold the strings to keep the pack from bouncing around too much. I remember second guessing my decision to hold my pack. And just like that, the gun went off and our corral was on our way.
I remember thinking to myself after the first 5k marker… “Am I going to finish this?” Spoiler alert: I made it! Turns out the weather was damp and cool and perfect for the slow and steady pace my Mom and I adopted.
There we are, having a blast nearing the finish of the race! I remember the crowd at the finish was so loud you could hear them cheering before seeing them as you rounded the hill to the finish.
It was such a great way to kick off my running “career” and the perfect start to my running obsessive hobby!
What’s in it for you?
Make memories with your friends and family and be sure to sign up for this awesome race! I’ll see you there in 2020! And receive a sweeter deal using code BRHCPHILLY20 that automatically adds an exclusive hot chocolate running hat to your order!
Running with Ken ROCKS! 