Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 Guide – Race Date, Timings, Results, Street Closures & More!
Did y’all know, Of over 125,000 athletes that participate in the Hot Chocolate Run each season, 72% are female!
Howdy my amazing fellow Texans!
Temperature still seem to be a little cold even though it’s the end of January.
Is anyone elsecraving for hot chocolate during these winter morning?!
And that reminds me for those of you who love to run, you are in for something real sweet and rewarding!
Hot Chocolate Run will be coonducting America’s sweetest run, here in Houston on January 25, 2025!
Guess what?! You have a huge medal and hot chocolate waiting for you at the finish line! 😋
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – The Brief
The USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run, popularly known as “America’s Sweetest Run,” is one of the most iconic and the most sweetest running series in the whole of United States!
And the Hot Chocolate Run is coming to Houston on January 25, 2025 providng the opportunity to run 5k, 10k or 15k. The finishers have cup of delicious hot chocolate, marshmallow and an awesom after part waiting for them after the race at Sam Houston park.
If you are chocolate lover and a runner, you’ll surely love your run and the sweet taste of victory!
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – Types of Races
The Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 happening on January 25, 2025 gives you an option to run three races.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – 5k (3.1 miles)
- Must be 8 years or older on race day to participate.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – 10k (6.2 miles)
- Must be 10 years or older on race day to participate.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – 15k (9.3 miles)
- Must be 12 years or older on race day to participate.
Know more about the Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025, here.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – The Course Map
Use the 
Button to open up the map legend that lets you highlight your course path when you check the box beside the race you are running for.
For instance, check the check box beside the “5k Distance” (and uncheck the boxes for other distances) to view the course path for the 5k run.
Check the checkbox beside the “Aid Stations” to view all the aid stations present throughout the course map. 
indicate the Aid Stations on the map.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – Registration
Click here to register for the Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025. There will be no race day registration.
Although if you think you are not ready yet, Hot Chocolate will be conducting another race on February 8, 2025!
Make sure to register now!
Registration Fee
The Registration Fee are subject to change with time.
- The Registration Fee for 5k is – $64
- The Registration Fee for10k is – $74
- The Registration Fee for 15k is- $84
Groups
When groups of 15 or more reggister together they receive the RUN ear warmer and also receive sweet perks like an award-winning runner’s kit and medal, group discounts, exclusive premium swag, one-on-one support, and much more!
You can contact then through email, if y’all got questions – groups@venturesendurance.com
Your registration includes awesome goodies! They include –
- Swag Kit (The Exclusive Hot Chocolate Run Jacket & The Famous Hot Chocolate)
- Commemorative Finisher’s Medal
- Chocolate Fondue Finisher’s Mug
- Access to Post-Run Party
- Commemorative Race Bib (along with other goodies in the packet)
- Free Race Photos
- Professionally Managed Course
- Professionally Timed Races
- Offer for a 1-Year USA TODAY Digital Subscription (Terms & Conditions Apply.)
If you run for consecutive years on any of the Hot Chocolate Races held throughout the US for more 3, 5, 10 or 15 years, you become part of the Legacy and earn extra special goodies. Although there should be no break between the years. You must run for every single consecutive year.
Cocoa Club
Cocoa Club provides you with a VIP experience, making your race extra special with all the extra goodies and perks you get no matter what city you are running the Hot Chocolate Run in!
The perks include –
- Exclusive Cocoa Club Swag Set (includes a beautiful themed Blanket, Cocoa, and a themed Tote bag)
- VIP Preferred Corral Placement
- 20% Merch Discount
- Cocoa Club Lounge Access
Note: You can choose to become the part of Cocoa Club when you register for the race. Although if you choose to become the part of the club after registration, you acn do so from your EnMotive account.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – The Expo/Packet Pickup
The Expo/ Packet Pickup for the Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025, will be held at Frost Town Brewing,
100 N Jackson St, Houston. Texas 77002. From 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The parking at the Expo will be available at 1818 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002.
Make sure to get your packet (includes the Kit and the Bib.) Feel free to look through the exhibitions and get your hands on the exciting merch on display.
Oh and be sure to try the delicious chocolate!! 🍫
Please note that there will be no swapping of Goodie Bag sizes at the expo or on race day. And there will be NO race day packet pickup. You must pick up your packet at Expo. If you missed the Exp for some reason you will get the emergency bib from the pink tent on the race day but you will miss out on the exciting things that comes with the packet, so it’s recommended you get your packet on January 24th.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – The Race Day
I can only imagine how excited y’all will be on the Race day! Here are few things y’all must know. (Please reach the starting point early.)
The Start Times
5k start time: 7:15 am
10k start time: 8:15 am
15k start time: 8:15 am
Gear check will open 60 mins before start time.
The Course
Houston is knnown for it’s flat and fast course and beautiful views it offers to the runners, this run will too take the runners through beautiful places as they complete their course. It includes passing by
- St. John Church
- The Allen Parkway
- Buffalo Bayou
- And not to forget the start & finish line at Sam Houston Park.
Please note that y’alls bib must be clearly and fully visible on the front of your torso and fully attached for you to receive an accurate time and to access your start corral.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – The Post Race Events
The fun doesn’t end with your race. You’ll get your beautiful medal as a testament to your achievement right after you cross the finish line and there will be a post race party waiting for you at the Sam Houston park.
Post Race Party
Now that you have completed your race, it’s time for celebration and your are in to enjoy your sweet victory (Literally!) (And don’t forget to enjoy the music and dancing!)
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a banana, and a delicious marshmallow along with the chocolate dip at the park.
Remove the tag from your bib and hand it over to the counter at the Sam Houston park. If you are not sure how to do it, not to worry, the volunteers will help you out.
Award Ceremony
The Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 will have its Award Ceremony at the Sam Houston park after the race!
The Hot Chocolate Run by USA Today will hand out medals and awards to the overall top 3 male and female race winners at the park!
The prize for the top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K, 10K and 15K include: (Your name will be annouced at the DJ at the park)
- Receive 100% off next year’s registration and 40% merch coupon emailed 3-4 weeks after the race
The prize for 1st Place in each Age Group for the 5K, 10K and 15K include: (You will be notified through email, if you have won the 1st place)
- Receive 100% off next year’s registration and 40% merch coupon emailed 3-4 weeks after the race
Age Groups: Under 14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Free high-res photos and your race time will be emailed to all participants as soon as they cross the finish line. You can track the race live here!
Location and Parking
The Start and Finish lines for all the races at held real close to the Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby St, Houston,Texas, 770022, United States.
Parking
It is encouraged that y’all use public transportation!
Various parking garages are available surrounding Sam Houston Park. To know about all the parking spaces available around, click here.
No parking is allowed on the course, anyone still doing will have their vehicles towed.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – Street Closures
Although, Houston Hot Chocolate is one of the awesome races one can run but unfortunately it’s not that of a major race.
Therefore, there will be no street closures during the race day but a part of the street will give y’all ample space to run.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – Event Closure and Refunds
The race won’t be cancelled rain or shine. But if the weather gets so bad that it might be dangerous for the event then the event will be cancelled. You will be notified about the following steps in regards to the race, or information regarding the refund will be sent to your email.
If by any chance you can’t attend or run on the race day, there will be no refund.
Looking For Places To Stay Nearby?
If you are looking some place to stay nearby for the Sam Houston park, I have made a list of 4 hotels keeping the distance (from Sam Houston park) and the budget in mind.
- C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 0.12 mi from Sam Houston Park. The amenities and service here is top notch!
- Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown
- 0.29 mi from Sam Houston Park. It’s one of the best hotels in downtown Houston!
- Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites
- 0.35 mi from Sam Houston Park.
- The Whitehall Houston
- 0.45 mi from Sam Houston Park.
- Wanna explore more options?
Houston Hot Chocolate Run – A Lil’ History
Did y’all know the USA Today Hot Chocolate will conduct more 16 races this year?!
It is also recorded that over a lot of people love running for the Hot Chocolate Run.
But the first ever event took place in 2008 in Chicago. This is when th US had it’s first sweetest run ever.
After 3 years, for the first time the race was conducted in other cities throughout US winning people’s hearts wherever it went.
Today USA Today along with other national partners conduct the series of Hot Chocolate Run throughout the United States. Not only that but does the run give the runners a unique and sweet experience but give them an opportunity to give back to the community by partnering with Special Olympics. Read more on that below.
Why Do People Run?
People choose to run races for a couple reasons –
- Because they just love running!
- To run in remembrance of/ for their loved ones.
- To train for marathons.
- To challenge themselves to achieve a healthier life.
- To beat their personal bests from the past races, etc.
If like many of the other runners, you love running then you should totally run the Hot Chocolate race that brings a sweet twist to the race!
When you complete the race, along with the with a huge shinny medal you get an awesome sweet chocolate treat!
And hey who wouldn’t run for an that sweet hot chocolate?! Yumm!! 😋
Wanna know something more sweet?! The USA Today Hot Chocolate partners with Special Olympics.
Special Olympics works to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities and fosters acceptance of all people through sport and programming in education, health, and leadership.
Every step you take on the course supports Special Olympics and Hot Chocolate Run’s mission to create a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities.
Your race day isn’t just about the miles—it’s about breaking barriers and making a real impact.
hotchocolaterunseries
To know more and to donate towards this noble cause, y’all can click here.
Race Terms One Should Know
Bib – A bib is the identification number given to a runner, printed on a sheet that runners wear on their chest during the race. It helps in identifying runners, recording their timing, and tracking accurately.
Wave Start – A wave start is a method of starting the race in multiple groups (Corrals) or “waves” rather than having everyone begin at the same time to avoid congestion.
Corrals – A Corral is an assigned area at the start line where runners are grouped before the race. It helps to organize the race better so it doesn’t become congested as many people will be running.
Chip Time – A tag (timing device) used to calculate your start and finish time. [It is needed as a few corrals start later on so their timings start later on upon crossing the start line.]
Gun Time – This is the official start of the race.
Pace teams – A group of pacers, who help participants achieve a certain finish time by running at a certain, pre-planned pace throughout the race. This way, runners joining pace teams can run together and even motivate each other to beat their personal bests.
Pacers – The experienced runners in the pace team are called pacers.
Pace – Pace in races is similar to that of speed but is measured in minutes per mile i.e how many minutes you take to cover one mile.
Legacy – Runners who have successfully ran and finished any Hot Chocolate Races held throughout the US for more 3, 5, 10 or 15 years, you become part of the Legacy and earn extra special goodies. Although there should be no break between the years. You must run for every single consecutive year.
Gear Check – A place where you can check in your bags check to store your important items safely while you run. You can get your bags back after the race.
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Are strollers or pets allowed?
Strollers or pets are not allowed. Although if you are an AWD, the use of wheeled devices by participants is limited to approved AWD wheelchair, handcycle and duo team participants only.
Are there toilets onsite?
Yes, you’ll find port-a-cans (portable toilets) at the start and finish lines and also at every aid stations throughout the course.
Are there paces at the race?
Yes, you will find them in a bright fit with a flag with their pace mentioned on it.
Got more questions? Click here.
Writer’s Note
Howdy y’all! Are y’all excited for the race?! Are y’all excited to push yourself and beat that personal best?!
Houston Hot Chocolate Run 2025 surely does offer an opportunity to push yourself and not to mention with a provoking you to run faster for the delicious chocolate waiting for you at the finish line!
Hope the post provided you with the information you were looking for. I would really appreciate it if y’all shared this post with your loved ones.
Comment down what you think of the Race? Will you be signing up for other Hot Chocolate Runs?! Have you already ran for the Hot Chocolate Run? How was your experience? Feel free to comment it all down below.
For all running on the January 25, finish strong, y’all! 🔥 Cheering you on! 🔥
Love y’all!! See y’all with the next awesome post! 👋
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