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Asheville Hot Chocolate Races

January 24, 2026
Registration is open

Asheville Hot Chocolate Races

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Celebrating 18 years of running in 2026!

Choose from the chip timed 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or

the kids untimed fun runs 1K Hill Climb or Marshmallow Dash.

benefiting the non-profit Isaac Dickson Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization(PTO).

Enjoy Asheville, North Carolina’s very own Hot Chocolaty races.

Start and finish at Isaac Dickson Elementary School, 125 Hill St, Asheville, NC 28801

The Asheville Hot Chocolate races has been the highlight of Western North Carolina’s winter running season since 2008. The race began as a simple 10k with a 1k kids hill climb. The race grew as a family event and so the short, 100 yard Marshmallow Dash was added for the newest little runners. In 2018 we added a much requested 5k to the line up. And lastly, in 2022, we emerged from the pandemic with an added challenge, our newest distance, the Hot Chocolate Half Marathon! Unfortunately, due to the distruction of a lot of the half marathon course from Hurricane Helene we skipped the half marathon distance in 2025 but it will make a triumphant reurn in 2026!!!

With a downhill start and an up hill finish the meat of the race is a beautiful run along the French Broad River. The race benefits the Isaac Dickson Parent Teacher Organization which in turn supports the teachers, students and families of our school. Learn more and donation to their efforts here. Isaac Dickson PTO.

Race Starting Times

Half Marathon starts at 8am

Marshmallow Dash starts at 8:15am

1K Hill Climb starts at 8:20am

10k starts at 8:45am

5k starts at 9am

❄️❄️POSTPONEMENT❄️❄️

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to 1/31/26 or 2/7/26, at the race directors discretion.

There will be NO REFUNDS if the event needs to be postponed to either of those dates. That date will be chosen based on weather considerations.

We are fully permitting all three dates to ensure a postponement is possible regardless if it is last minute. Please read our full policy on the Registration Page.

Post Race Party

Location & Atmosphere: The school gymnasium will serve as the gathering space where runners can literally “warm up” after their race – likely meaning both recover from the physical exertion and get warm if it’s cold weather racing season.

Entertainment & Exhibits: There will be music playing to create a festive atmosphere, plus local sponsors and vendors will have booths or tables set up. This gives runners a chance to learn about local businesses, pick up samples or promotional items, and connect with the community that supported the race.

Food & Refreshments: We’re providing post-race snacks to help runners refuel after your run, whether you opt for the 5k, 10k or half. The highlight of the post race party is the hot chocolate, of course. Made with premium chocolate from French Broad Chocolates (a local artisan chocolate company) and Farm to Home Milk ( fresh, local dairy).