Did You Vote for New #HC15K #HC5K SWAG?All runners in Fall 2018- Winter 2019 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K receive this cozy full zip jacket in their goodie bag! The colors were chosen after several days of voting by previous participants and the public.  The 2018-2019 Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k goodie bag! The men's full zip hoodie jacket will be black; women's will be merlot. The sleeves have thumbholes. There are 2 zippered front pockets. Want a Bonus? Use code: TAMPAKAREN18 for Extra SWAG in Your Goodie Bag!Who doesn't like free stuff?!? Use my code: TAMPAKAREN18 when you register for the TAMPA race on December 16, 2018. You'll receive a bonus gift at packet pickup. Last year it was a #HC15K cap. I'll let you know this year's bonus SWAG as soon as it's announced. Register Early for the Best Price to Run in Tampa on December 16, 2018!
#RamRacing #AllstateHotChocolate15K #AllstateHotChocolate#5K #WillRunForChocolate #TampaHotChocolate #DiscountCode #PromoCode #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunBradenton #RunNaples #RunOrlando #BibChat #RunChat #PromoCode #15KRace #Tampa5K #Tampa15K #CodeforTampaHotChocolateRaces Don't forget to sign up early for the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K in Tampa on December 16, 2018. The price for #HC15K #Tampa increases on April 15th. Use code TAMPAKAREN18 for bonus swag at packet pickup.   Use Code: TAMPAKAREN18 for Bonus SWAGLast year the bonus swag was an #HC15K cap. This year's swag hasn't been revealed yet, but from what I've heard — it's going to be a good one. Stay tuned for more on that soon. In the meantime, don't wait for the price to go up. Get all the chocolate at a great price when you register early. See you at the starting line! If You Run All 3 Years in Tampa, You're a Legacy Runner — That Means Even More Swag! The 3 year Legacy swag includes an extra medal, a pin, a beanie and a special race bib! The baseball cap was last year's bonus swag item. The legacy bonus is good for any combination of 5k and 15k races run 3 years in a row. They can be run in different cities. 2018 is the third year for the Tampa edition of the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Races. If you run 3 years in a row you're eligible for the Legacy swag! You don't have to do anything except sign up. When you get to packet pickup, your extra goodies will be waiting for you! This is a picture of the 3-Year Legacy Swag handed out at last year's race. FYI: You don't have to run all the races in the same city. #AllstateHotChocolate15K #RamRacing #HotChocolate15K #Tampa #HC15KTampa #HC15K #HC5K #WillRunForChocolate #LegacyRunners #PromoCodes #SWAG #BonusSWAG #SpreadingTheChocolateLove #HCAmbassador
Save $8 on the Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K with my Code: "GASPKaren18" during the ExpoSome of the best race registration deals are found during an expo. That's the case this weekend for runners who want to run the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K or 5K in Tampa on December 16, 2018. 
This Code is Only Good at the GDC ExpoVisit the Hot Chocolate 15K Booth during the Gasparilla Distance Classic Expo, and use my special code: GASPKaren18 to SAVE $8 on your registration! Current prices for the 2018 Tampa Hot Chocolate Races:
Gasparilla Distance Classic DetailsThe expo is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so there's no reason not to stop buy! There will be over 100 health and wellness professionals at the expo. Lots of local running groups, races and sports stores will be in attendance offering great deals. You'll find products, activities, samples, and race information.
Friday, February 23rd: 10 am to 8 pm Saturday, February 24th: 6 am to 5 pm Tampa Convention Center, East Hall 333 S. Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602 Is There a Code If You Can't Go to the Expo?There sure is! If you can't get to the Gasparilla Expo, use my regular code for extra swag in your bag! Enter code TAMPAKAREN18 when you register and you'll receive a bonus item at packet pickup. The SWAG hasn't been announced yet, but it will be an awesome piece of Hot Chocolate gear! See you at the expo — or the starting line on December 16th! #GDC #GasparillaDistanceClassic #GasparillaHalf #Gasparilla15K #Gasparilla5K #RunTampa #RunSarasota #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunNaples #RunClearwater #RunFlorida #HC15K #HC5K #HC15KTampa #DiscountCode #RaceCode #PromoCode #RaceDiscount #GASPKaren18
The second Ram Racing Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K in Tampa was Sunday, December 17, 2017. We all had our fingers crossed for cool weather. I ran the 15K.
It was 61 degrees at the starting line in front of the Tampa Convention Center. That was a lot cooler than the inaugural race a year ago. Everyone appreciated their HC quarter zip pullovers — at least at the beginning of the race. Once we were moving along Bayshore Boulevard no one really needed long sleeves.
There was a breeze off the water, and plenty of aid stations stocked with chocolate, water and Nuun to keep everyone comfortable and hydrated. I'll take Florida's warmth over cold temps any day.
The course was flat. It was well marked. There was a time clock at every mile. I really enjoyed the two U-turns that gave everyone a chance to see other participants. There were plenty of high-fives and encouraging calls between runners. The race was organized and fun. Volunteers and staff did an excellent job of supporting runners before, during and after the races. Slow clap for the iced towels at the finish line!
Hot Chocolate Race, Tampa, Hot Chocolate Code, Hot Chocolate Discount, Hot Chocolate Discount Code, Bib Rave Pro, BibChat, Race Raves, Run Chat, This Old Runner, #RunTampa, #RunStPete, #HC15K, #HC5K, #RunforChocolate, Races
Join us on Sunday for America's sweetest race around Tampa!
Click the image to register for the race!
Expo Deal! Reduced Price on 2018 Races
Visit the #HotChocolateRace race expo and get a great deal on your 2018 registration for 5K or 15K.
EXPO PRICING: #HC15K and 5K return to Tampa on December 16, 2018. When you register at the expo you'll get: 15K for $50 flat fee 5K for $30 flat fee These prices are only good at the expo. Registration opens to the public at $34 and $54 + tax on 12/18/17. EXPO HOURS: Friday, December 15, 2017: 3 to 7 pm Saturday, December 16, 2017: 11 am to 5 pm EXPO LOCATION: Tampa Convention Center Central Hall 333 S Franklin Street Tampa, Florida 33602
#HC15KTampa #HC15K #HotChocolateRace #HC5K #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunTampaBay #HC15K2018 #WillRunForChocolate #RaceDiscount #PromoCodes #DiscountCodes #ExpoPricing #ExpoDiscount #BibRavePro #BibChat #BibRave #RunChat #RaceRaves
Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Tampa |
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Don't forget!
To get even more swag in your goodie bag, use my code: TAMPAKAREN17 and you'll receive an exclusive #HC15K hat at packet pickup. |
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Can I Get a Woo Hoo?! This is Going to be Great!
#HC15K #HC5K #RunStPete #RunTampa #WillRunForChocolate #SpreadingTheChocolateLove #15K #ThemeRaces #DiscountCodes #Florida #Tampa #StPete #ThisOldRunner #HC15KAmbassador #RaceSwag #RaceMedals
Hot Chocolate 15K / 5K in Tampa Announces Exciting Changes to December 2017 Races
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December weather in Florida can be fickle.
Sometimes it's cool, but last year, it was definitely hot. It was 16º degrees hotter than normal on race day! The temperature at 2016's 15K start was 75º and rose into the mid 80s before the race was done. |
#HC15K organizers plan to use misting arches, misting fans and ice towels to keep Tampa runners cool and comfortable in 2017.
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Here's the Plan to Keep Runners Comfortable
Most Hot Chocolate races take place in northern climates, so having an event in semi-tropical Tampa means adjustments. I'm happy to announce the 2017 race updates will include:
- Earlier Starting Times
Proposed 5K start is 7:00 am; 15K is 7:30 - Misting arches
- Misting fans
- Ice towels
Sweet Stylish Swag
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It will get cool eventually in Florida, and when it does you’re going to be happy with the new Hot Chocolate Race long sleeve jacket.
All participants, 5K and 15K, receive a jewel-tone pullover. The long sleeve quarter zip is made of soft, tech material. It’s going to be a favorite winter wearable when you run. There are thumbholes and a zippered chest pocket. The Hot Chocolate race logo shows the world you're willing to run for chocolate in style. |
2017-2018 Hot Chocolate Runners (5K and 15K) will receive this beautiful jewel-toned pullover. (Teal=Men; Purple=Women.)
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Get Extra Swag in Your Bag!
#HC15K is known for some of the best race swag — a top notch jacket, fancy chocolate bar medal, collectible finishers cup filled with chocolate fondue and dippable goodies, plus hot chocolate and free race photos.
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 Use TAMPAKAREN17 at registration for this exclusive cap.
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BONUS! You can add an exclusive #HC15K baseball cap to your collection when you register with code: TAMPAKAREN17. This code is the only way to get this 2017 cap!
Bigger, Better Medal has a Charm/Keychain
The new medal is half an inch wider and half an inch taller! It's a chocolate bar wrapped in gold foil hanging from a shiny ribbon.
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The 2017-18 medal for the 15K is half an inch wider and half an inch taller.
It has a city specific charm/keychain that hangs from the medal. The bling looks like a beautiful bar of chocolate wrapped in gold foil. It’s going to look great on you! |
New! The Hot Chocolate Legacy Experience
This is the biggest, most exciting, addition to the 2017 race! If you’ve run consecutive years in a Hot Chocolate race in any combination of 15K and 5K, in any combo of cities, you’ll be eligible for extra perks as a Legacy Runner!
Legacy Runners receive additional bonus perks:
Legacy Runners receive additional bonus perks:
- A special Legacy bib for race day.
- 5k/15k Legacy Runners who run 3, 5 or 10 consecutive years will receive a special legacy pin. The pins will be presented in the Legacy tent at the post-race party.
- Legacy runners receive 10% off Hot Chocolate merchandise, available on-site at Expo/ Race or online.
- An exclusive discount code will be emailed to each qualifying participant, redeemable at the Expo or post-race Merchandise tent.
- Legacy runners will also be able to buy exclusive Legacy merchandise.
Important Note: If you do not participate in any Hot Chocolate races for one year after running at least 3 consecutive years you lose your legacy status and must begin again. If this year is your 4th consecutive year you will receive a retroactive 3-year legacy pin.
Preferred Starting Corrals
The Hot Chocolate Race tries to make sure runners are in the correct starting corral. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a row of slow walkers when you want to run, you appreciate the reason for pace specific corrals.
Racers with a documented 11:30 minute pace (or faster) are eligible for a preferred starting corral. You have to submit race results with your registration for placement. If you’re waiting to improve your time in an upcoming race, you can submit your pace proof closer to the race via your registration profile.
If you’re running buddies aren’t as fast as you, you can move to a slower corral to run together, but they can’t move to a faster corral.
Racers with a documented 11:30 minute pace (or faster) are eligible for a preferred starting corral. You have to submit race results with your registration for placement. If you’re waiting to improve your time in an upcoming race, you can submit your pace proof closer to the race via your registration profile.
If you’re running buddies aren’t as fast as you, you can move to a slower corral to run together, but they can’t move to a faster corral.
Stay Tuned for Final Details
The Tampa course and packet pick up details will be announced closer to the race. Check back here or hotchocolate15K.com/tampa for final details.
Finish Line Party
All finishers receive the signature Hot Chocolate mug filled with dippable goodies, fondue and hot chocolate.
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The fun continues after the race with the unique and delicious #HC15K finishers mug filled with hot chocolate and lots of goodies to dip in the chocolate fondue. Yum!
After your race, you can pose with the giant Hot Chocolate inflatables and the little ones can play in a Kid Zone stocked with an obstacle course, bounce house, and games. I'll see you at the starting line! |
Don’t forget to register early for the best price,
and use the promo code:
TAMPAKAREN17 for your exclusive HC15K cap!
and use the promo code:
TAMPAKAREN17 for your exclusive HC15K cap!
#HC15K #HC15KTampa #HotChocolateRace #WillRunForChocolate #SpreadingTheChocolateLove #ThisOldRunner #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunSafetyHarbor #RunFlorida #RunTampaBay #PromoCode #RaceCode #RaceRave #BibRave #BibChat #RunChat #RunForBling #RaceMedals #MedalMonday #TAMPAKAREN17 #ChocolateRun #WhyIRun
This is Sweet News!
Today it was announced that "America's Sweetest Race" is coming to Tampa on December 18, 2016. Yep, that's right — it's the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k. Hooray running and chocolate!
I've been eyeing this race for awhile. Sadly, the closest event was in Atlanta, and conflicted with another race on my schedule. Now I can run it right here in my own backyard.
I've been eyeing this race for awhile. Sadly, the closest event was in Atlanta, and conflicted with another race on my schedule. Now I can run it right here in my own backyard.
15k and 5k Races
There are two distances: 15k and 5k. The course starts and finishes in the same place. The exact location of the USTAF certified course in downtown Tampa hasn't been posted yet.
There will be pacers for 7 min. up to 15 min. per mile runners. Sign up for live runner tracking during the race.
There will be pacers for 7 min. up to 15 min. per mile runners. Sign up for live runner tracking during the race.
Swag (Stuff We All Get)
According to the website, all participants receive a zip front Hot Chocolate Race hooded jacket, AND a keepsake finishers mug filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and dippable goodies. There will be DJ playing music and a kids play zone at the finish line. Free race photos will be available for download.
Photo from HotChocolate15k.com
15k Finishers Medal
Only the 15k finishers receive the unique candy bar medal shown below. It has a removable Tampa insert you can pop out and use as a fridge magnet.
Photo from HotChocolate15k.com
Register before 8/14/16 for the best prices
Registration begins at $69 for the 15k, and $39 for the 5k if you sign up before August 14th. After that prices increase a couple of times and top out at $79/15k and $54/5k. You can register for the Hot Chocolate Run here. #HC15kTampa
Hey there,
This is where you'll find me writing instead of running. (But, you know I'll be writing about running, right?)
Yep, smiling's my favorite.
Another happy finish line!
Click the logo to save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
Get FREE extra swag in your pickup bag when you use my code: TAMPAKAREN18! The race returns to #Tampa for a 3rd year on December 16, 2018. #HC15K #WillRunForChocolate
Discount Code for $5 OFF Any Race in Any City Coming Soon! Jacksonville - 1.12.19; Safety Harbor - 2.2.19; Savanah - 2/16/19; Orlando - 3.2.19; New Orleans - 3/24/19; #BDR #BestDamnRace #SafetyHarbor #BDRJax #BDRNola #BDRSav #BDRSafetyHarbor
Upcoming Races:
May 19, 2018
Hippie
Dash 5K
Long-haired hippies are welcome! Get your groove on at a fun race in downtown Gulfport, FL. Supports the local Goodwill. This year's event has an 8K. Charming location. Great post race party in the historic Gulfport Casino. Lots of feeling groovy music! #HippieDash #Goodwill
June 2, 2018
Best Damn Race Leftover 5K
These are the best leftovers! Race participants choose shirts and medals from 10-20 previous #BDR races. (This year's additions include the 2017 NOLA sugar skulls.) Great post race party with food and libations! #BDRLeftover5K #BestDamnRace
June-July-August
Madeira Beach
5K Sunset Series
Check out this summer series of beach 5Ks on one of the prettiest beaches around. Sign up for one, two or all three! Proceeds benefit VIPwarriors.org. After the race, and sunset, stroll the boardwalk to Hooters for the post race festivities. #RaceHawk #VIPWarriors
August 25, 2018
Fort Hamer Bridge Run
2nd Annual Fort Hamer Bridge Run 5k and 10K benefits The Parrish YMCA, Manatee County Youth Rowing, and The Parrish Foundation. #FortHamerBridgeRun
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