US – Ronald McDonald Hot Chocolate Run in Minneapolis

According to Running USA, the number of 5K races in the United States totals over 15,000 per year, with more than 8.3 million finishers. One of the fastest growing race series in the nation is the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race, dubbed America’s Sweetest Race. This popular race is hosted by Ram Racing and their official charity partner, The Ronald McDonald House Charities.  Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a “home-away-from-home” for families and children facing a serious medical crisis, so they can stay close to the hospital at little or no cost.

The 4th and Final Water Station

On Saturday April 16, 2016 over 8,500 runners of all ages gathered in Minneapolis on a beautiful spring day to participate in this popular event. The race route snaked south along the Mississippi river, over the Stone Arch Bridge to the east side of the river where it turned back northward toward the finish line.

The Stone Arch Bridge Runners collecting Refreshments

Upon completion, participants received an award winning goodie bag, which they collected from the expo along with their race packet. The chocolate really began to flow at the Post Race Party where runners enjoy music, a family friendly environment and a finisher’s mugs filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and tasty dippable treats.

Handing Out Chocolate to the Runners

At water station number 4, over 40 RRT volunteers assisted the runners during the race by handing out water, sports drink and, of course, chocolate! This water station was also the final stop along the race route, and the tired and thirsty runners were thrilled at the sight of another hydration station.

Entering The Stone Arch Bridge

After the final runners passed by, RRT volunteers assisted in cleaning up and disassembling the stations. In the eyes of the participants and RRT volunteers, it was very rewarding to have contributed to this successful event to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The RRT Volunteers From Minneapolis