“Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Hot Chocolate
St. Louis 15k/5k 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!”
The Hot Chocolate Series is one of my favorite races. The
main reason is that I feel you get the most bang for your buck.
Fun scenery in St. Louis
The last few times I have ran this race, it has been downtown.
From the looks of the 5k route this year, we are hanging out in Forest Park. Most the races that I do in St. Louis are in Forest Park. If you have never explored this park, you need to. It is one of the best for running because you can run long runs and never hit the same area twice. Plus, it is GORGEOUS! I will say some parts are hilly and I dread them. Every race always makes us run near the Muny and there are giant hills over there. I won’t look because I would rather be surprised at the full
course map. So, I’ll report back post-race!
Expo
The expo has been held in Union Station which is always a fun time. They are well organized and I love that they even have a staging area for you to try on the swag to change sizes if you need to. That makes things so much more smooth. I’ve never had a difficult time picking up my packet either. You also get chocolate treat samples to snack on while browsing the booths set up from different vendors.
Swag
Who picks races based on the swag? I normally look at where the run will be ran in comparison to my location, swag and price. If I feel everything checks out and the price is worth it then I will sign up. I have a budget in mind when picking races and that is why this is my process.
You always get an amazing quality apparel piece. I have done this race three different years and had beautiful pullovers and zip up jackets. This year is this gorgeous jacket.
Treats
Of course, you can’t have a Hot Chocolate series without hot chocolate. Along the course are treats to help fuel your run. I normally don’t partake in these because it’s normally FREEZING. Although the time I did the 15k I ended up getting overheated and stripped down into my sports bra. I probably just took water and Gatorade during this one.
Not only do you get fun treats along the way of the course,
but my favorite are the treats after you are done. I’m hoping to park closer to the start/finish line this year. Normally I had to find parking on the streets in downtown and ended up far away. So, by the time I got to my car, my fondue had froze. But look at the goodies you get post-race.
Lodging
My family’s house is near St. Louis, so I will be waking up
early on race day to get to the race rather than staying in the race lodging. It isn’t as nice as being able to sleep a little longer, but it sure is nice to be able to spend time with family and not have to pay for a hotel.
Post Race
Be on the lookout for a follow up post after tomorrow’s race. I will show photos from the expo and talk about my experience with the course and the race itself!
Follow Along
You can follow the Hot Chocolate Series at the following social accounts:
FFB: @hotchocolate15K
TW: @hotchocolate15K, #hc15K
IG: hotchocolate15k
Or my social accounts: @samthierry and also #HCstlouisBR for our Bibravepros adventures with the race!
