hot chocolate run community
Welcome to the Hot Chocolate Run Community Page! Discover inspiring runner spotlights and captivating stories from runners just like you. Join us as we celebrate your journeys and triumphs, from personal growth to overcoming challenges when facing adversity. Lace up, join the movement, and be inspired!
runner spotlights
Shabazz F.
My name is Shabazz 'Fitt Father' Ford and I am extremely excited for the opportunity to participate in the 2023 Hot Chocolate Run in my hometown of Detroit! Since 2020, I have lost 200 lbs and completely turned my life around. The 456 pound me could’ve never imagined doing a 5K but since my life change, I’ve done several 5k’s and a couple of Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon’s alongside my Synergy Works Detroit family.
Kate S.
I never thought I could run because of all my back issues. I have had scoliosis and arthritis for many years, but the change was when I was diagnosed with unexplained spinal neuropathy back in October of 2022. For those who don’t know, spinal neuropathy is nerve pain caused by damaged nerves in your spine that feels like your nerves are being electrocuted, which is accompanied in my case by almost full body numbness.
Isabel N.
Typically I avoid any physical activity I’m not good at (aka running) but today I finished a 5k faster than I thought and it turns out that accomplishing something hard is actually kind of fun!!!!! s/o to my besties for pushing me to do something I didn’t think I could maybe a 10k is in my future soon.
Sherrod
On January 18, 2022, I contracted covid-19 and it triggered an autoimmune disease called necrotizing autoimmune myopathy. Before this, I was super healthy and athletic, but after, my world was flipped upside down. My disease killed my muscle fibers over my entire body, beat up my lungs, heart, and esophagus, and caused blood clots in both my lungs. I had to learn to walk again over the summer, and my doctors told me it would be 2-10 years before I could be back to normal, and 11 months later I'm walking a 5k.
Krisi H.
A few years ago (2019), my teenage son, Noble Haskell, and I ran the Denver HC 5K. He was a cross country runner at Smoky Hill HS and ended up winning his age group and being in the top of all male participants! Once he finished, he found me on the course (quite a ways back) and cheered me to the finish line. We had so much fun after the run getting our chocolate, finding the fun photo ops, random dancing, etc. It was awesome to just have fun with my son. Such great memories.
why do you run?
Recently on Global Running Day, we posed a simple question to the Hot Chocolate running community: “Why do you run?” The responses received were nothing short of extraordinary. You blew us away with your inspiring, thoughtful, funny, and insightful answers, which are highlighted below.
Adam C.
To stay physically fit and to enjoy the camaraderie between fellow runners. Getting swag is pretty cool too!
Christina K.
To inspire my daughter – we have run four Hot Chocolates together. To honor my father who passed away from pancreatic cancer, and my mother who was diagnosed with ALS. I run for those who can’t.
Joey T.
To stay in shape for my son! Also, to be apart of a community that celebrates moving and everyone’s unique journey.
Michael K.
To inspire my kids to work hard to achieve their goals. Plus, the feeling after a good long run is something that can’t be found anywhere else. Exhaustion and exhilaration!
Treva G.
Running gives me energy and peace. And of course, who doesn’t love CHOCOLATE at the end!!!
Elva P.
I run to push myself to the limit, have fun, and challenge myself to do better the next time. Also who doesn’t love the reward of sweet chocolate at the end.