Hot Chocolate 15K/5K - Columbus

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K - Columbus takes place in Columbus, Ohio, on November 15, 2026. The Hot Chocolate Run, presented with USA TODAY, lets you choose between three distances: a 5K (3.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles), and a 15K (9.3 miles). After the race, a post-race party serves up hot chocolate, and the whole event is built around a celebration of chocolate shared with fellow runners.

The 15K is the interesting distance here. It sits between a 10K and a half marathon, which makes it a good stepping stone if you're building toward 13.1 miles or a strong fitness test if you already race longer. Eight to ten weeks with a weekly long run of seven to eight miles will get you there. The 10K suits runners who want a real effort without a long build, and the 5K is the pick for families or anyone easing into racing. All three are road distances, so whatever you choose, the hot chocolate at the finish is the same.