RunNerd Girl: Hot Chocolate 15K/5K - Charlotte (Rock Hill Edition) Race Day

I received entry into the AllState Hot Chocolate Charlotte15K as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews.

So yeah, a bit of life got in the way so I am WAAAAAYYY late posting this, but OMG this event was so much fun!!

Here's a quick recap.

The 15K crew ready to hit the road!

Me and like 40 of my closest friends all gathered bright, early (and cold) to run the Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K races. We had 16 15K runners and the rest were 5K. Quick reminder, I was still in my leg brace so no running for me, which was perfectly fine, I had plenty to keep me busy organizing everything!

Before the event, which started at 7:30 am I set out before the sun came up to mark the courses that I had laid out, the 15K with orange arrows and the 5K will yellow. A bit extra I know, but hey, I knew some of the racers were coming from outside of Rock Hill, so I wanted to make sue that no one got lost on my watch. I also set up a table with goodies and printed routes. Special shout out to the Hot Chocolate 15K/5K for donating awesome magnets and extra chocolate for our event and to Nuun Hydration for donating tubes of Nuun for all. These were laid out with water, granola bars and M&Ms to help fuel the racers.

Right at 7:30 am the 15K racers set off. The way I laid the course, racers would complete 10K and loop back to the start where they had the choice to either run through to finish the final 5K, and/or take a quick rest stop and meet up with friends racing the 5K. The route went through the start and back out again so you didn't have to awkwardly turn around. It also helped me keep track of the placement cause yeah, again extra, but I had placement awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each gender/race.

The 5K start was a bit more laid back, officially at 9:00 am, but racers kind of started whenever they arrived, found their friends, or felt like it. No matter what, it seemed like everyone had a great time. We had a constant stream of people hanging out, cheering, visiting Knowledge Perk for post-race cocoa and coffee and picture taking. I think everyone has been missing the vibe of real races so this kind of helped a lot. The weather could not have been more perfect and no one got lost, so extra yay!

It was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it! Everyone, me included, had a blast. After, I cleaned up and grabbed lunch with Kim, Toni and Kim's hubby who helped me loads during the event. And since this was really the first day I had left really left the house after my knee surgery, so I was in NO hurry to go back inside, so we met up with some of the other racers and went back to the start area to hang out at Dust Off and finish off the race chocolate.

Most of us received our gear prior to the race so we had everything all ready for the post race medal and jacket photos. I say most because there were some shipping delays due to the massive winter storms in the center of the country, but then again, it is a winter race series. The medals were so cool and had chocolate actually INSIDE it. Here's a few of us showing off our jackets and medals.

I would totally take on the challenge of hosting a live virtual event again. It was so great to see everyone running, laughing and having a great time. In fact... I'm totally doing it again next month, this time the Virtual Women's Half Marathon (if you are interested in this race, discount code “BibRAVE$5off” gets you $5 off any distance). Again, it's a bit extra, but totally worth it!

Have you ever hosted an in-person virtual? Want more info to host one? Let me know in the comments below. And there are still several other Hot Chocolate 15K/5K races that you can register for and host a similar event! https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/ and use extra SWAG code BRHC20 and receive a free Hot Chocolate Tech Hat.

And just for fun, here are a few more random race day photos!