11/21/2021

Hot Chocolate 15K

Columbus, Ohio

Finish Time:  1:11:10

Overall Place 77th Place / 1,349

Division Place:  3rd Place / 55

Race Review By Scott Orlando

This was my first time competing in the Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K Race.   The race is a large franchised race that is offered across the country.   The race is known for its great swag and assortment of chocolate delights that await runners at the finish line.    The race field was huge with approximately 5,000 runners between the 15K and 5K.  I ran the 15K.   The course was flat and fast as it made its way up and down High Street in the heart of Columbus.  My goal for the race was to finish averaging around a 7:45 mile pace.   This is slower then my typical race pace but I am still making my way back recovering from some set backs plus I have another 10K race 5 days later so I didn’t want to overdue it.   I started fast the first mile and then settled in at a pace around my goal speed.   The air was cold and the rain got worse with every mile.   I was feeling strong and pushed hard the last 2.5 miles to finish with a time of 1:11:10 which was a 7:39 mile pace.   I was surprised to see that I had finished 3rd in my age division in such a large race field.   The course was well managed and organized.   Finisher medals did not make it in time to be distributed and are set to be mailed with awards.