It may not be brisk or chilly, but running along the water during the 2023 Hot Chocolate Run in Tampa is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the holiday season in Tampa Bay. There are lots of Jingle Runs in Tampa Bay, but the Hot Chocolate Run is a favorite. This event is family-friendly and has something for everyone!

Plus there is a hot chocolate boozy bar if you wish to indulge. Keep reading for everything you need to know to participate in the 2023 Hot Chocolate Run in Tampa including race route info, parking, and other important tips.

How to Attend Hot Chocolate Run in Tampa

Hot Chocolate Run Info 2023

Where: Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

When:  Sunday, December 10, 2023, 7:00 am

5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party

Hot Chocolate Expo

The Hot Chocolate Expo is free, and open to anyone – not just race participants!

Pick up your runner’s kit (including your race day swag and bib!), indulge in delicious CHOCOLATE, gear up on Hot Chocolate merchandise, and visit exciting vendors!

Saturday, December 9, 2023
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tampa Convention Center

If you do not choose to have your packet mailed, you must attend expo to pick up your packet.

Hot Chocolate Run Race Day

Race day includes 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party!

Race Route includes:

• PLATT STREET BRIDGE
• BAYSHORE BOULEVARD
• VIEWS OF HARBOUR & DAVIS ISLANDS
• TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER

You’ll start and end at the Tampa Convention Center, where the post-race party in the Front Drive and Sail Plaza will be waiting for you!

The course will take you by awesome views of Columbus Statue Park, the City of Tampa’s Pirate Ship, the Bayshore Fitness Trail, and the Historic Hye Park North neighborhood. Best of all? You’ll run along the water the entire route.

Event Highlights

The Sail Bar is back to make your race day on December 10th even sweeter! The Sail will be offering all 21+ runners a delightful selection of hot chocolate-inspired cocktails starting at 7 a.m. Cocktails will be available for purchase at the bar onsite.

Tampa Registration

An exclusive full-zip hoodie and finisher’s medal that will make you melt are included with every registration!

• 5k = $49.00, will increase to $59.00
• 10K = $59.00, will increase to $69.00
• 15k = $69.00, will increase to $79.00

Price will increase on October 29th, 2023 at 11:59 pm EDT

Parking for Tampa Hot Chocolate Run 2023

Parking at Tampa Convention Center is convenient and easily accessible with ample on-site parking options available for event attendees and visitors. There are multiple parking lots and garages nearby.

No parking is allowed on the course, and vehicles that do not adhere to event no parking signs will be towed.

Parking Garages and Lots

• TCC Garage: 141 E. Brorein Street, 454 total spaces, 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations,Event Rate: $5.00 to $50.00
• Pam Iorio Garage: 301 Channelside Drive, 790 total spaces, 2 electric vehicle charging stations, Event Rate: $5.00 to $50.00
• Fort Brooke Garage: 107 N. Franklin Street, 556 hourly spaces, $5.00 to $50.00
• Selmon Expressway West Parking Lot: 107 N. Franklin Street, 556 hourly spaces, $5.00 to $50.00
• William F. Poe Garage: 802 N. Ashley Drive, 932 total spaces, $5.00 to $50.00

Traveling from Out of Town?

Most hotels in the area will be within walking distance or a short drive to the Convention Center. The list of Hot Chocolate Run hotels has distances and directions from each hotel.

All images from Hot Chocolate Run Series, as well as @hotchocolaterunseries on Instagram