America’s sweetest run is back for our most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in Tampa on December 10, 2023! 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
Tampa Convention Center, Front Drive—333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
5k start time: 7:00 am
10k start time: 7:55 am
15k start time: 7:55 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
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!
Saturday, December 9, 2023 10:00 am – 5:00 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:
We encourage public transportation, rideshare, and other collective means of getting to the event due to high volume of participants.
Dick Greco Plaza (Yellow line) station stops within walking distance of the course with various bus stops nearby as well.
Parking for race participants will be available on a first come first served basis at parking garages near the venue. Parking garages located on S Florida Ave and E Brorein St are closest.
If driving to the event, please familiarize yourself with the parking options surrounding Tampa Convention Center.
No Parking will be allowed in the Front Drive due to the event’s Post-Run Party.
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 all participants as soon as they cross the finish line. The link below will also be updated on race day, so be sure to check back then!
Make It Boozy
The Sail bar is back to make your race day on December 10th even sweeter! The Sail will be offering all 21+ runners a delightful selection of hot chocolate-inspired cocktails starting at 7 a.m. Cocktails will be available for purchase at the bar onsite. Stay tuned for the full cocktail list!
Tampa course highlights
Platt Street Bridge
Bayshore Boulevard
Views of Harbour & Davis Islands
Tampa Convention Center
You’ll start and end at the Tampa Convention Center, where the post-race party in the Front Drive and Sail Plaza will be waiting for you! And if that isn’t indulgent enough, check out these additional highlights! The course will take you by awesome views of Columbus Statue Park, the City of Tampa’s Pirate Ship, the Bayshore Fitness Trail, and the Historic Hye Park North neighborhood. PLUS, you’ll run along the water the entire route.
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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