Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Philadelphia Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k race 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!
2019 marks the third consecutive year that I’ve run one of the races at the Philadelphia Allstate Hot Chocolate series. I kicked off my 40th year in 2017 with Christina, 2018 was my friend Ana’s first 5k ever, and this year I ran solo. But I was never alone, I had friends all along the way.
What I think is so cool about this race is the appeal for not only local runners but newer runners, at that. Friends that don’t usually run sign up for this because it’s laid-back and has fantastic swag/treats. Not only did I see adult friends, I also saw a few of my kid runners from Healthy Kids Running Series (or they saw me – I have a few come up to me at our next race to tell me how they did).
While I love visiting Philly, I opted to have my race packet mailed to me because I had a lot going on the week before the race. Along with the super soft jacket, there was also my bib, and a card saying that as a 3 year legacy runner, I was going to get even MORE swag! What? It’s true – I just had to bring the card along with me and I was able to pick up a 3 year legacy medal, pin, and hat.
The course itself is standard Philly running. We chose to take the train in from New Jersey rather than deal with parking and walking from 15th/16th and Locust to Eakins Oval which is where the race began (for those not from around here, right in front of the “Rocky steps” aka Philadelphia Museum of Art).
We got there just before 7am and had time to get a picture with fellow BibRave Pros. It’s always great to see my orange clad team. I’d met Joe and Ryan before but this was my first time meeting Ken!
I was placed in D but started in E because I saw some friends from my turtle running group. Love these ladies – always so supportive!
They request that you don’t move up in corrals, only back, which is standard for races. I know at other races there are people there monitoring corrals but I didn’t see that here. The 5k race began at 7:15; I crossed the start exactly 10 minutes later at 7:25.
Running along the Schuylkill river is nice, you get a great view of Boathouse Row and the Art Museum. The other side of the road is 1-76 which is decidedly less pretty.
I don’t love how the road there banks to the sides, it’s not very visible but you feel it in your hips after awhile. This is where I ran my first road race ever so it always takes me back to my roots.
There was water and Nuun on the course, along with one chocolate station. I chose to skip the chocolate and indulge at the finish line.
After I crossed the finish I circled back and cheered for my friends finishing the 5k. We grabbed our chocolate and treats and then cheered for the 15k finishers.
One thing that was disappointing was the photographers. Hot Chocolate always has free pictures for runners (yay!) but this year I didn’t get that many and the ones that I’m in, I’m behind people. There are a few of me running but they’re blurry. This was standard:
I’d say this one is probably the best of me crossing the finish line. Hey, I’ll take it!
The morning was perfect for running and as always, the race was a lot of fun! Communication leading up to the race is always on point and they had some nice little perks so that people encourage their friends to join them in running this sweet experience.
Have you ever run a Allstate Hot Chocolate race before? What treat gets you motivated to run?
Oh, at least you have your smile on for the finish.
Absolutely, I love this race and I was smiling because CHOCOLATE!
My photographs from the race were a mess so I can totally relate! I don’t have any good ones, lol.
Oh my gosh, I just had to laugh when I saw the pictures! Usually the photographers are spot on at Hot Chocolate – maybe they were having an off day? Sorry we missed seeing each other though – we are definitely going to have to plan to meet up soon!
This sounds like such a fun time!
I’m going to get you out there with me soon enough, Sonya Harris. JUST YOU WAIT, JUST YOU WAITTTTTT.
I won’t throw away my shot!!!! ☕️
Young, scrappy, hungry to eat all the chocolate and snackssssss.
I NEED to do one of these one day!
YESSSS. Such a fun race!
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