2025 Asheville Hot Chocolate Races

Hot Chocolate Races in Asheville

Asheville Hot Chocolate Races is celebrating 17 years of running! Choose from the 5k, 10k, half marathon, kids 1k hill climb or marshmallow dash, benefiting the non-profit Isaac Dickson Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization in Asheville North Carolina.

History

Presented by Blue Ridge Power in 2023, the Asheville Hot Chocolate Races have been the highlight of Western North Carolina’s winter running season since 2008. The race began as a simple 10k with a 1k kids hill climb. As the race grew to an entire family event, we added the short, 100 yard marshmallow dash for the youngest runners. In 2018, we added 5k to the line up.

In 2022, the Asheville Hot Chocolate Half Marathon was added!

Course

With a downhill start and an uphill finish, the majority of the race is a beautiful run along the French Broad River greenway in Asheville’s River Arts District.

Race Swag

T-shirt, custom bib and Finisher medals for 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon.  While a short sleeved t-shirt and finisher ribbon is included for the kids races. All runners will enjoy the best hot chocolate in town thanks to our chocolate sponsor, which in 2023 was French Broad Chocolates.

Awards

5K/10K/13.1
Handmade commemorative mugs will be awarded to the top three male and female overall finishers and to the first male and female in the Masters Division (40+) and Grand Masters Division (50+).

Kids 1K Hill Climb & Marshmallow Dash
All kids receive a commemorative race bib and finisher ribbon!
1K Hill Climb: The top boy and top girl will each receive a special award. In addition, every child gets a finisher ribbon! The 1K Kids Hill Climb is limited to children 12 and under
Marshmallow Dash: Every child gets a finisher ribbon! The Marshmallow Dash is limited to children 8 and under and parents are encouraged if need be to stay by their child’s side the whole dash or meet them at the finish line.

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