Have you guys heard of the Hot Chocolate Race?
Grab yourself a cup of hot chocolate….
Go on. I’ll wait for you.
Scroll down to see lots and lots of photos, chocolate, marshmallows and thousands of runners…..
JET-PUFFED Marshmallows was the official marshmallow sponsor of the Hot Chocolate Race in Chicago 2015.
Annnnddd you better believe it that I was there to cover all the details 😉
AT THE EXPO
This was were runners are able to come in to check in to the race, pick up their gear, do some last minute shopping and grab some yummy swag.
The music was bumpin’ and the Jet-Puffed “dance team” was doing their thang LOL
The expo was huge…
There was an abundance of chocolate everywhere you looked….
There were greeters at the entrance handing out mini chocolate squares,
There was a hot chocolate fondue station,
These kids were working NON-STOP!!
There was also a hot chocolate drink station,
These runners are truly passionate about the race. They stock up on specialty gear, fun accessories and more.
There were cute basket displays like these throughout the expo where runners could grab themselves yummy Jet-Puffed Chocolate Swirl Mallows.
They had to be refilled….
Constantly!!!!
Over and over and over again haha
And just in case………………
We had more marshmallows for everyone on their way out!
The RAM team got super creative and totally built a prop thrown for runners to takes photos at:
I couldn’t resist. I had to test it out LOL
And again…
It was super fun seeing fellow Jet-Puffed Marshmallow fans having a blast!
They all left the expo with BIG SMILES on their faces 🙂
AT THE RACE
I bundled myself up like a hot tamale and headed out to the park at 4 AM. Yes, that’s 4 in the morning!!
I got to see all 4,000 volunteers show up ready to roll. I was beyond impressed with how well this event was organized!
As the sun comes up, runners start to show up and volunteers begin to take their places.
This is Ellie. She is part of the organizers with RAM Racing. Super sweet chic!!
She invited me into the VIP Tent where I got enjoy some hot chocolate and a few breakfast goodies.
Here’s the Jet-Puffed station pre-race. 
All calm before the storm…
Under this HUGE tent, there are hundreds of volunteers busy busy putting together the Finisher’s Mugs for the racers.
I came across this group of girls tossing marshmallows into each other’s mouths. They were having so much fun!
Here are the techs getting ready to launch the drones into the air. I love aerial view footage, they really show how humongous this event is!
Runners at the start line. Ready to go….
Quick selfie before the race.
But first, we sing the National Anthem.
1-2-3-Go!!!!!!!!!!!
Meanwhile, back at the Jet-Puffed station….
The volunteers are busy filling up baskets with snack size marshmallow bags.
Let me show you what’s happening behind the scenes while the runners are on the track…
After each runner crosses the finish line, they are to walk over to this tent area and pick up their Finisher’s Mug.
The Mug contains: a nutrition bar, a banana, a Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treat, Jet-Puffed Marshmallows, hot chocolate fondue and a cup of hot chocolate.
It is sure to warm you right up 🙂
Under the tent, the line works like a sweet oiled machine.
50% work. 50% fun!
Crazy right?!?!
Here come the first runners to finish the race
As the field fills up, the energy level does too. The DJ and dance team on stage keep the people shakin’ their booties.
Here are a few shots of the 40,000+ people that participated in this race
Back at out station….
The runners were lovin’ the Chocolate Swirl Mallows being passed out.
They also had a chance to stop by and snap photos in front of the step & repeat banner.
Several of our Kraft Heinz Company team members came out to show Jet-Puffed some LOVE.
A few actually ran the race and a few others just came to enjoy the beautiful day out.
Here is my team and Jeff + Ellie from RAM Racing.
Group photos!!!
It was so proud and honored to be here. To be a part of the Jet-Puffed team. To have been an integral part of our sponsorship.
Seriously, love my job.
Leave a Reply