Seattle Virtual Hot Chocolate 5k Race Review

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to run the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k/5k Run virtual race as part of being a BibRave Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

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The Race

I ran the Seattle Hot Chocolate Virtual 5k race around my home town on March 7th. This was honestly so nice to do since I haven’t had a huge amount of training with a 4 month old at home! It was nice to be able to do the run on my schedule and with my stroller! As with any race, there were pros and cons to this being run virtual.

Pros

  • No need to travel to race - so important with a 4 month old!

  • Can run any time of day - works with baby’s nap schedule and my husband’s schedule

  • Get to just come home and rest up after since it’s so close

  • Mini cheering squad at home!

  • Fun trivia questions and energy on Facebook - opportunity to win a free entry into a future race

Cons

  • No race day motivation from other runners

  • Didn’t feel the normal race ENERGY!

  • My medal and swag didn’t arrive until 4-days after the race

  • I do miss traveling to races - even though it was nice to not have to

All in all, I still enjoyed this race. In the future I will try to recruit local running friends to run with me to give it a more race day feel. Having the motivation to race did get me out the door when I really just wanted to stay in bed. For me, that is why I need to sign up for races, either in-person or virtual. I need motivation to train.

The Swag

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As usual, the Hot Chocolate Race swag was great! I got a tech hat, hooded fleece zip-up, chocolate, hot chocolate packets and a very sweet medal! It has a little compartment to store your chocolate in, so fun! I definitely think this race has amazing perks when it comes to swag. Who doesn’t like chocolate?

Will I Run Again?

YES! This is my second time running a Hot Chocolate race, and I can’t wait to run another one in the coming years. They are always fun and motivating. It’s a blast to be able to have chocolate to look forward to at the finish line - whether in person or virtual.

Karen Poole