Tampa Hot Chocolate Race Plans to Keep You Cool and Deliver a Legacy Experience.

Hot Chocolate 15K / 5K in Tampa Announces Exciting Changes to December 2017 Races

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.

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
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Sweet Stylish Swag

​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.
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2017-2018 Hot Chocolate Runners (5K and 15K) will receive this beautiful jewel-toned pullover. (Teal=Men; Purple=Women.)

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. 

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!
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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.

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!
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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:

• 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.
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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.

​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!

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Don’t forget to register early for the best price,
​and use the promo code:
TAMPAKAREN17 for your exclusive HC15K cap!

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