Philadelphia Hot Chocolate 5k Race Info

Date: 4/6/2019

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Start Time: 7:15am

Avg Temps (f): 60/41

Time Limit: ~15 minute miles

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

Weather can be all over the place with this time of year in Philly, so be prepared for cold, rain, and/or snow
Bring layers for clothing, knowing it can be quite cold at the start
Be careful of potholes on the road, especially at the crowded start
These races tend to be crowded, especially with other races going on that day, so expect crowds at the expo and the event, before, throughout and after
Allow plenty of time for parking with so many participants in both the 5k and 15k
The course feels fairly flat, but you will notice the small hill before the finish
With it being such a big race, they use start corrals, so if you’re near the back, know that it will take a bit of time to reach the starting line even after the race has started.

Course

Type: Lollipop with an out and back and loop at one end

Start/Finish Info: Different locations but still very close, walkable distances

Hills: Small elevation changes of about 10-20 feet, with the biggest changes being a loss of ~50 feet early on, which runners then gain back near the end, and some smaller gains in the middle of 10-20 feet.

Course Map/Elevation (see Participant Guide)

Aid stations

Locations of water/electrolyte stations: Both water and Nuun offered; specific locations not noted, other than that there will be plenty available.

Spectator access

Access Locations: Best at the start/finish since it’s mainly an out and back course. You could also see runners just before the 1 mile mark and after the 2 mile mark, before and after they complete the loop part of the course.