hot chocolate 15k/5k chicago 2016

Disclaimer: I received an entry for RAM Racing Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Chicago to review 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!

I was very excited when Hot Chocolate race series released its Chicago date for the 2016/17 season. I ran it back in 2014, but then the past two years it was the same weekend as runDisney Wine and Dine Half Marathon, which has been a tradition for me for about 5 or 6 years now. So, it was disappointing to have to miss it. Well in 2016 I'm BACK! They switched weekends and it is now being held on Sunday, October 30! 

The race series offers both a 15k option and a 5k. In Chicago there is also a 2 mile walk you can participate in. I just registered yesterday for the 15k, because I like longer distances now (and if I'm going to take the time to drive into the city in the early morning hours and pay for parking, I want to make the effort and cost worth it) and the 15k gets a medal! You know I love my medals. 

There are two waves for the races – Wave 1 5k and 15k is at 7:30am and Wave 2 5k and 15k begins at 8:15am. 2 mile walk is at 9:15am. (All times subject to change)

I'm sure you've heard me say how RAM Racing always has great swag, and this race is no different. The Hot Chocolate medals are different and unique for each individual city, which I think is an awesome touch. They also had runners pick between two different options for the jacket this year – a color option and a muted option. I voted for option 2 because I'm a fan of color and it's hard for me to keep lighter colors clean (I spill a lot haha), but I did like both options regardless of what won. Option 1 had the most votes, so that's your jacket for the 2016/17 season. What do you think?

Chicago expo information:
Location:
McCormick Place | Skyline Ballroom | 2301 S King Dr | Chicago, IL 60616

Dates:
Friday, Oct. 28th, 2016: 10am to 7pmSaturday, Oct. 29th, 2016: 10am to 6pm

Here is the Chicago course (though this can always change):

Post-race you can treat yo self to some delightful chocolate fondu with a vairety of dippers usually including pretzels and marshmallows. Who doesn't like to reward themselves with some tasty treats after a race? Bonus: their chocolate is nut and dairy free.

Hot Chocolate race series is all over the country and I have discount codes for most of them! You'll get a free visor at packet pickup using the code specific for the city you are registering for.

HC Chicago (10/30/16) - Code:BRHCCHI

HC Columbus (11/20/16) - Code: HCCOLBR

HC Scottsdale (12/4/16) - Code: ScottsdaleBRHC

HC St. Louis (12/11/16) - Code: HCSTLBR

HC Tampa (12/18/16) - Code: BRHCTAMPA

HC San Fransisco (1/8/17) - Code: BRSFHC

HC Atlanta (1/22/17) - Code: BRATLHC

HC Dallas (2/4/17) - Code: DALHCBR

HC Nashville (2/11/17) - Code: NashvilleBRHC

HC Las Vegas (2/26/17) - Code: BRVEGASHC

HC Seattle (3/5/17) - Code: HCSEABR

HC San Diego (3/19/17) - Code: SDBRHC

HC Philly (4/1/17) - Code: BRPhillyHC

HC Minneapolis (4/15/17) - Code: MinnHCBR

Head on over to Hot Chocolate 15k/5k website and find a race near you. Don't forget to register using one of the above codes to score a free visor :)

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