Hot Chocolate 15/5K Chicago

I've never seen so many people! 40,000 runners, plus volunteers and spectators = 75,000 + people.

We started by leaving Sat after I worked and after Aaron took the boys to G'ma & G'pa's (Thank you J & S). The boys loved the sleepover and did very well for the first time. 

We took my sister and her husband with us and made a nice overnight get away out if it. 

There was NO packet pick up on race day, so we had to be sure to get it Sat before 6pm. The McCormick Place was the place for the expo, got in and got what we needed and were off to the hotel.

We checked in, figured out a place to eat and hit the big city.

After a great dinner, window shopping and walking at least 3 miles, we headed back to try to get some sleep. I don't think anyone sleeps well the night before any race. 

I sent a text to my friends across the street that came up to run the 5K also. We met up in the morning and headed to our corrals. 

It started off a bit chilly, but actually perfect for a race. With so many people it took awhile to get going, but once we did it was great. Running downtown Chicago! Underground on Lower Wacker! It was very congested, people really need to read up on race etiquette, especially with that many people. But, it was good and we are only running for chocolate.

I like having my family out on the course to give you that extra push I need to get to the finish. They stood at mile marker 2 or so. Not sure, since I ran with only my iPod. It was different/odd not having my app running, not knowing my pace or where I was mile wise. But, I seemed free just to run and enjoy it. 

We all finished in good time.

We received our finishers mug with fondue, banana, wafers, pretzels, rice krispy treat and hot chocolate/marshmallow.

It was a lot of fun, and well organized. Looking forward to next year. This race is always in Nov for any of you wanting to run it. 

Thank you for reading!

Libby