The tradition of preferring offerings of love on St. Valentine's Day is well-documented. Chocolate and roses top the list of gifts given on this special day, mainly because of chocolate’s aphrodisiac properties.
Fitness enthusiasts in Dallas/Fort Worth are getting a taste of the sweet stuff a little early this year. On Saturday, Feb. 9, more than 10,000 runners and walkers will participate in America’s Sweetest Race, the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k.
The race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park. Race organizers are expecting this race to be even bigger than last year given that so many runners have chocolate on their brains this time of year. “The course is pretty flat and straight, giving runners an opportunity to get excellent times, and when you finish you are greeted with a chocolate square and great music which leads to the post race party with loads of goodies,” said race director Brandon Presern. The goodies include a finisher’s mug with hot chocolate in the center, chocolate fondue surrounded by marshmallows, pretzels, banana and Rice Krispies, to name a few of the treats.
In Dallas, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is the race beneficiary. The Ronald McDonald House Charities is the National Charity Partner for the race series nationwide.
“We are really excited to have the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k in Dallas for the second year in a row. Our partnership will help provide a home away-from-home for families who have a child receiving treatment at a Dallas-area hospital. And, who doesn’t love chocolate, especially close to Valentine’s Day?” said Danna Flemons, Marketing and Communications Manager, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Every night, hundreds of moms, dads, brothers and sisters stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill or injured children. The Ronald McDonald House maintains a caring homelike atmosphere and provides a place where families receive strength and stability from others who share similar circumstances.
“So enjoy your Valentines reward early by working up a sweat because, aphrodisiac or not, end result is lovely and delicious,” added Presern.
Registration is now open. The 15k is $68, and the 5k is $48. All participants will receive a men’s or women’s hooded sweatshirt and a Finisher’s Mug filled with chocolate treats. Visit http://www.HotChocolate15k.com to sign up today.
About the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k series:
Albuquerque, New Mexico, kicked off the 2012/2013 Hot Chocolate tour. The Hot Chocolate bus also stopped in Chicago, Columbus, Phoenix, and Atlanta. After Dallas, the tour will continue to Seattle Washington and San Diego, California.
About the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas:
Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served as a home-away-from-home for more than 31,000 families of seriously ill children who have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. By providing a caring, supportive, home-like environment, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas keeps the family intact and helps allow a family to establish a normal routine in the midst of crisis. It also provides families with the opportunity to share their concerns with other families in similar circumstances. For more information, please contact the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354, or visit www.rmhdallas.org.