2026 Hot Chocolate Run Nashville

Get ready to indulge your sweet tooth and lace up your running shoes for America's sweetest event, the 2026 Hot Chocolate Run Nashville! On Saturday, February 21, 2026, runners will converge on Nashville, Tennessee, to participate in 5K, 10K, and 15K distances, all starting and finishing in the historic Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This USATF-sanctioned, chip-timed race offers a scenic journey, with courses that wind past the Tennessee Capitol building and even touch Nashville's famed Broadway street, known for its vibrant honky-tonks and live music. While the course features some minor inclines and declines, it largely offers a flat, paved terrain, making it enjoyable for all abilities, though a brisk 15-minute mile pace is encouraged to ensure full course support. Typical race day conditions for this time of year feature highs around 55°F and lows around 35°F, with a 19% chance of precipitation, creating crisp running weather.

What truly sets the Hot Chocolate Run apart is its unparalleled chocolate-themed experience. Aid stations along the course aren't just stocked with water and Nuun electrolyte drink; they also offer "Sweet Stations" featuring chocolate treats to keep your energy up. But the real reward awaits at the finish line, where a vibrant post-race party in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park celebrates your achievement with music, vendors, and, of course, an overflowing finisher's mug. This decadent mug includes rich hot chocolate, gooey chocolate fondue, and an array of dippable treats like marshmallows, bananas, pretzels, and Rice Krispies Treats.

Participants in the Hot Chocolate Run Nashville receive award-winning swag, including an exclusive full-zip jacket, and a unique chocolate bar-shaped finisher's medal, making it a highly anticipated event year after year. The Hot Chocolate Run series has built a reputation for its excellent organization, enthusiastic volunteers, and a celebratory atmosphere that attracts thousands of runners nationwide, all while supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply want to enjoy a fun, chocolate-fueled morning, the 2026 Hot Chocolate Run Nashville promises an unforgettable experience.