Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual Run Tampa 15K/5K - Will Run For Chocolate!

Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual 15K/5K - Images from www.hotchocolate15k.com

Y'all know that I love to run for bling, but you also probably won't be surprised to know that I run for chocolate as well!  So when the chance came to run the Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual Run 15K/5K, I couldn't pass it up.  What better than a winter race with swag that is truly SWEET and a chance to connect with one of my favorite travel locations - the Tampa area - even if it's only virtually.  

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Tampa race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Why run the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K?

Were the words "hot chocolate" in the race title not enough for you?  OK, OK.  I get it.  It's virtual and you'll have to make your own hot chocolate.  Fair enough.  But there are several things that make this race a great choice for virtual runners.  My virtual race for the city of Tampa is on 12/20/20.  Since I'll be running in Maryland just a few days before Christmas, I'll certainly be embracing the hot chocolate theme as I bundle up to race.  Bundling up just got easier too - did you see the jacket?  With a removable hood, zipper pockets, and soft tech fabric it is certainly a piece of heavenly swag!  Then there's the chocolate.  Did you know you get chocolate in your virtual race kit?  Back in 2017 I ran the Hershey Half-Marathon Relay and remember being so excited about the chocolate stops on the course.  I may need to recreate those in this virtual race - just saying.  Finally, all participants will receive a medal as well.

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And why run "in" Tampa?

Running the Tampa area - North Reddington Beach

One of the coolest things about the Hot Chocolate races in my opinion is the fact that you still connect with a city of your choosing - maybe it's the one nearest you where you'd likely be running the race in person or maybe you took a virtual running vacation.  The choice is yours!  You know that a large piece of my heart lives in Florida and the Tampa area has been a travel destination for our family on several occasions.  In the downtown Tampa area, I can close my eyes and imagine running along Tampa Bay - racing not only myself, but the dolphins swimming along the bay.  Then maybe I head over to the Port of Tampa where I can hop on a cruise ship like I did in 2017 when we sailed on the Carnival Paradise to Key West and Cuba.  Prefer beach running?  No worries - Tampa is only a short distance from some fabulous beaches along Florida's Gulf Coast.  We spent some time in Siesta Key Beach which is so laid back you can't help but unwind.  It's the perfect little beach town to enjoy while out for a run.  Our absolute favorite beach spot near Tampa though is North Reddington Beach.  When I run my virtual race in December on what will likely be a chilly Maryland morning, I'll no doubt be closing my eyes and picturing myself running along the Gulf Coast sands and then heading to John's Pass for a celebratory drink following the race!  

A post-race meal Florida style?  A girl can dream during COVID, right?

Ready to join the SWEET fun?

You can find all the details about registering for the Allstate Hot Chocolate Virtual 15K/5K - Tampa by clicking here.  Is Tampa not calling to you?  No worries!  There are so many other cities and locations you can pick from when you visit their site and the swag is the same regardless of which race you sign up for.  I hope to see you sipping hot chocolate and rocking your swag in some finish line photos!  Who is ready to join me?