Hot Chocolate 10k – January 21, 2012 – Isaac Dickson School – Asheville, NC

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the 5th running of the Hot Chocolate 10k. I’ve run this race every year since it started and remember well the impressive turnout for its first running in 2008 (299 finishers). The race has grown dramatically and in 2011 there were 825 finishers. The 2012 race is capped at 1,250 participants.

It’s billed as the flattest 10k in Asheville. In fact, it features a fast downhill start that’s sure to give you a “feel good” first mile split while helping to get your blood flowing without working too hard. The out and back nature of the course allows runners like me to see the leaders on their way “back to the barn.” Last year it was Stuart Moran dueling Jubbs TeBockhorst for the the lead (Stuart finished first).

But if you haven’t run this race before, save some “giddy up” for the end. What goes down must come up and that fast downhill start equates to a final challenge in the form of an uphill finish. All in all it’s a great race and one of the best organized races in the region.

Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that this race will continue to dodge the bullet on snow, especially considering the uptick in winter snow volume we’ve seen over the last two years.

For more information, visit the race website. Online registration is available at IMAthlete. Also, you might want to “like” the race on Facebook.

Hope to see you there.