America’s sweetest run is back for our most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in Charlotte on February 17, 2024! With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!
NEXT PRICE INCREASE
award-winning swag kit


Hot Chocolate Run kits are choc-full of sweetness! An exclusive full-zip hoodie and finisher’s medal that will make you melt are included with every Hot Chocolate Run registration!
race day experience


What would a CHOCOLATE run be without the CHOCOLATE? The sweetest award awaits you at the finish line. (And no, we aren’t talking about that well-deserved medal!) Indulge in a finisher mug overflowing with chocolate fondue, dippables, and, of course, our famous HOT CHOCOLATE! Still not enough chocolate? Stop by the pre-event expo where you can warm-up your sweet tooth, check out vendors, and stock-up on Hot Chocolate merch. And for the cherry (or should we say marshmallow?) on top of this chocolate experience, join the Cocoa Club!
location & time
First Ward Park 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
5k start time: 7:30 am
10k start time: 8:00 am
15k start time: 8:00 am
Gear check opens 60 mins before start time.
Please note that your bib must be fully visible on the front of your torso and fully attached for you to receive an accurate time and to access your start corral.
post-run party
expo
Charlotte Convention Center, Richardson Ballroom 501 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Our Hot Chocolate Expo is free and open to the public. Pick up your runner’s kit (including your race day swag and bib!), indulge in delicious CHOCOLATE, gear up on Hot Chocolate merchandise, and visit our exciting vendors!
Friday, February 16, 2024 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
If you do not choose to have your packet mailed, you must attend expo to pick up your packet.







parking
We encourage public transportation and carpooling for all participants! No parking is allowed on the course, and vehicles that do not adhere to event no parking signs will be towed. Click below to view all travel and parking recommendations:
Public Transportation is the best way to get to First Ward Park on race morning! Take the LYNX Blue Line to the 7th Street Station or the CityLYNX Gold Line to the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC.) Visit the Charlotte Rail
Transportation page for more information.
For those driving to the event, here is a list of hourly lots.
We highly encourage participants to Use ParkMobile to pay for their spots to prevent long lines at pay stations.
hotel
Find a hotel located close to the start line! Book your stay using the HotelPlanner link below to take advantage of exclusive discounted rates.
photos & timing
Free high-res photos and your race time will be emailed to you as soon as you cross the finish line. The link below will also be updated on race day, so check back then!
Charlotte course highlights
First Ward Park
Center City
Cordelia Park
Spectrum Center
Charlotte Chocoholics will start and finish their run in the First Park District—only a block away from the famous Spectrum Center! But before you cross the finish line, you’ll tour beautiful Charlotte suburbs like Country Club Heights, Villa Heights, and Plaza Midwood (15k course), with 5k runners getting a sweet treat on their run through Belmont.
DAYS TO RACE
Top 3 male and female winners in the 5K, 10K and 15K:
- Will be announced at the Post Race Party at the DJ Stage
- Receive 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race
1st Place in each Age Group for the 5K, 10K and 15K:
- Receive 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race
- Age Groups: U14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
find your gear
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