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.
Race reports
https://www.bibrave.com/races/allstate-hot-chocolate-philadelphia-reviews#.XFg5VlxKg2w
https://run-856.com/2017/04/03/race-philadelphia-hot-chocolate-15k/
https://cbalbi85.wordpress.com/2015/04/05/race-recap-the-philly-hot-chocolate-15k/
https://notyouraveragerunner.com/hot-chocolate-5k-race-report/