The Hot Chocolate is a run race and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, so if you do well on the…read morecourse, use your time when you run on July 4th to boost your seeded wave. I have done this race twice, so you really have no idea what to expect in terms of the weather. It might be cold or it might be freezing cold. Make sure you have compression pants for this race, you will thank me later. I cannot stress it enough, do not wear cotton clothing, as it does not wick away your sweat. You will be running 15K (9.3 miles) and as you run, you will be sweating and all that sweat will be absorbed by your clothing and wet and freezing cold weather will make you extremely sick... not a good combo. So wear polyester fibers... or better yet wearing cold gear... This race is known for their goodie bags, hot chocolate, banana, melted chocolate, a bag of snacks and a very cool fleece jacket that you should not wear during the race. Overall, this is a fun race, something I would recommend at least once. [Review #491] (76th Review of 2017)

Date: January 22, 2017 Location: Centennial Park…read more I will definitely run for chocolate! This is pretty much counterproductive for a race but great motivation to run. The Hot Chocolate is a 15k/5k race. So that's 9.3 miles or 3.5 miles. This year was my first 5K Hot Chocolate in Atlanta, I've done races from other organizers prior to this so I at least have some comparison of what to expect. The price is not too bad in terms to what you get. The race itself was fantastic. Not too hot, and not too cold. I thought the race-day organization was horrible. There were no sign anywhere telling you where things were located. I didn't get emails about purchasing a parking spot prior to the race. The finish line could be a little better identified with overhead signage instead of just side signs. Expo: I wish there was an option to get it mailed home. Parking and location sucks! Swag bag: Typically, whatever the jacket is and a bag and that's it. You get a drawstring backpack + a full-zip, fitted jacket with a cozy hood. I would have gladly paid for the hoodie with my own money. I love the practical thumb holes and slimming design. Deep front pockets are ideal for storing your keys or phone. The nice thing is, there's an area to try it on and swap if you want a different size. I wore mine to and during the race. It kept me warm since Atlanta can be pretty chilly in the morning and was great to run in! Getting to the race: some parking, but limited. Parking cost anywhere from $20-$60. I thought the location of the race was horrible! It took me literally 30 minutes to find parking. The Start: 8:20 am for the 5K. Lined up in corrals, goes on a staggered start system, which is appreciated. During the race: I would say if you really need to drink often or more often than 2 mile increments, you will need to carry some water with you. FINISHER MEDAL Only the 15k runners get the new medal. Now, if you know much about the Hot Chocolate race series, you know that the finish line is the BEST part!! You get HOT CHOCOLATE! AND, you get chocolate fondue, a banana, Rice Krispy Treat, cookies and pretzels. OH, and a marshmallow! I couldn't wait to get those treats! Overall, this was a fun race that everyone should try at least once.

Prerace logistics: Could have been better. The packet pickup was split between two odd times on…read moreSaturday and I think all in line would agree it was a train wreck. Not a safe crowd of people at all. Race itself: Very nice! Well laid out, good course, good course support. Simple to get to the start line and out of the post-race village. In fact, the race felt smaller than it was, which means they did a great job with logistics.

This was our first time running this marathon which was in its 10th year. We were in for a big…read moresurprise as we expected a nice flat course. Clearly we didn't do our homework. The temperatures were in the 40s with gusty winds around 20 mph or more. It was our second marathon of the year and weekend and so we knew we wouldn't be comfortable. (The previous day Nicole and I had run in Chattanooga on Raccoon Mountain). The aid stations appeared to be about every 2 miles, which was good. There were three distinct food stations featuring orange slices, jelly beans, and Oreo cookies. To wash it down the electrolyte drink of choice was Powerade (blue, red and yellow) and of-course water. The course took you through at least three university campuses, a park system and quaint neighborhoods of Atlanta. I can't keep emphasizing the hills. They kept coming and coming! Despite the cooler weather which typically helps to increase course speed, this was not your PR course. The race swag included: a long sleeve shirt and a decent sized (although unattractive) medal 4" inches in diameter. Finishers got a lunch snack box, chocolate milk, water and a warming jacket to fend off the wind. Finishing in Centennial Olympic Park definitely was a nice touch and I felt like this marathon featured many different city segments.

First Peachtree Road Race..Lots of fun..I didn't know what to expect but I glad to have the…read moreexperience

Probably the worst organized 10k I've ever raced. Shame on The Atlanta Track Club, City of Atlanta…read moreand Northside Hospital for allowing this disorganized mess. Worst packet pickup location ever. An hour to get into the parking lot and well over hour to get out of the parking lot. The expo was terrible when you have over 50,000 runners wanting merchandise from someone other than adidas. Ugliest race T-shirt. We the people is the preamble to the Constitution not Independence Day celebration. Georgia is GA not G.A. Yellow, really. How about red white and blue for the 250th Independence Day celebration.

Do not sign up for a Spartan race until you understand how they squeeze you for money…read more I saw an ad for a discount;however, after all the fees and upcharges, you're barely saving any money. No cancellation policy. - mandatory parking, bag check: $10.00 - mandatory insurance and admin fee: $14.00 - processing fee: $12.00 Total: $36.00 in extra fees!!! Of note: class action lawsuit on their "insurance" coverage Few in our group cant make it. They gave a "transfer" ticket option with a 36.15 fee. Naturally, you'd think this is the additional 36.15 theyre screwing you out of from a ticket that fully paid for. NO, after the receiving person gets the email about the transferred ticket, they want an addition 62.00 per person. So... They've made money from the actual ticket, THEN an additional almost 100.00 per ticket. Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Would I do it again or sign up of I knew all the above ahead of time? Absolutely not.

I love this race…read more I have done the full marathon twice now and it just gets better every year. The real reason this race is so great is the course. It really showcases the best of Atlanta. From Downtown, to Sweet Auburn, Inman Park and Candler Park. Through Decatur and Druid Hills, Midtown and Va-Hi, you get a tour of all that is great about Atlanta. And since it is run in the spring, all of our glorious trees are out in bloom. Warning, Atlanta is hilly and so is this race, but it is so worth it. The crowd support is growing - great on the first 13, dwindling toward the end, but in a few years will be up there with the other big city marathons. The water stops have now been "outsourced" to charity and corporate partners, and since there is a competition, the partners go all out., which makes the race a lot of fun, since every few miles you get to encounter a team of volunteers excited to cheer you on. If you plan on doing 26.2 in the peach state, this marathon will blow you away.

Worst marathon course I have ever ran (out of 15 different courses). It was all hills and…read moreneighborhoods. I flew down here to run and see the city.... Not to see what real estate you have to offer and the security systems and landscaping. I don't give a hoot what homes are in sale and who did their yard and what security they have.Only reason why this trip wasn't a utter waste of time is because I am visiting my best friend at the same time. The marathon itself.. one star. I am definitely NOT coming back to run this and nowhere close to considering it either. BUT 5 stars to all the volunteers.

I have a lot of love for ATC and the running journey that they have inspired in me when I turned…read more40. Each year I love the Atlanta women's race which was 4 miles this year. We received beautiful, long, stem roses and metals at the end. It is such a celebration of community. I have also run my share of Atlanta marathons, 13 so far. Thanks for inspiring me for a lifestyle of health and wellness.

First time volunteering and let me tell you it was a amazing experience. Everyone was so kind and…read moreeven the participants were so happy at 8am. Having run and lead large scale events like this Jarrett and Katie got it down packed.

I would definitely recommend this business to anyone looking for a pair of good shoes with a…read moreperfect fit. The knowledge, expertise and customer service they provide is top of the line. I arrived here and both clerks had other customers but I waited and browsed around the store. The wait was not long and was well worth the time. I explained some foot issues I have and they knew exactly what I was talking about and made recommendations about shoes after sizing me on the stand-up machine. The store associate never became hurried or rushed me and allowed me to try on multiple shoes that she recommended. In total, she probably spent thirty minutes with me as I tried each pair of shoes and walked around the store in them before making my selection. Both of the staff members in the store were friendly and helpful during my visit and I will definitely be returning here for future footware purchases.

I came here most recently to grab my race number for a race they were hosting. Packet pickup was…read moreefficient and quick! I do like that they host races, as I'm an avid runner and love to compete. I have to admit I haven't bought anything here in a long time. They have a more limited choice of footwear than some of the other stores. They carry apparel and energy fuels as well. I'm not sure their expertise as far as picking the right shoes for you but the store is well organized and clean. Staff is friendly. Again, I'm a big fan that they hold races, often on holidays that make it nice for people who don't want to trek downtown to run a big race. I'll gladly keep being a part of some of their races, and appreciate that they take part in that!

I grabed 2 12 ounce cokes and they charged me 19 dollars don't go here the register may say lower…read morebut the person will charge you way more

guy charged me $1.67 for a cup of ice i could've just gotten a new drink, going out of his way to…read moreexclaim that nothing in this world is cheap and the cup costs money, gas prices consistently higher than any other gas station do not go here unless you have absolutely 0 gas left he does not deserve the local community's money.