I have had the Hershey Half on my bucket list for a few years now and was thrilled to be able to rope in a slew of friends to join me to run it. Some people run for beer but I always joke about how I will run for chocolate and I finally got the chance last weekend.
Backing up a bit, life kind of threw a couple of curve balls into my training the past few months and I was really worried about training for this race effectively. After a flair up of PF and a moving date looming, I knew that this was going to be tough to pull off. As luck would have it, I was able to switch to running this half as a relay race with my friend, Holly.
Will Run For Chocolate
Our girls weekend started off with an easy drive up to Hershey, PA and a quick visit to the expo for packet pick up. I have to say that the expo was slightly disappointing with not too many vendors. We did however get a fun photo with some of our favorite candy bars.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLl5jnSA_ft/?taken-by=deborahbrooks14
Each race entry comes with free tickets to Hershey park so we took a quick visit. It seemed kind of odd to visit the park without any kids in tow. You know you are getting old when you think the merry go round seems fast. LOL
There is a subtle smell of chocolate in the air as you stroll through the grounds and wander through Chocolate World. That is my kind of smell. We continued our girls weekend by stuffing ourselves at dinner at Harvest in the Hershey Hotel. It was so delicious and we were all more than fueled for the race the next morning.
As I was doing the second half of the relay, I was not at the start line and instead met my partner at the exchange point around the 6.6 mile marker. It was a little chaotic at the exchange but I found Holly and I was off on my half of the half.
The race course was well staffed with water stops, tons of crowd support, rolling hills and chocolate bars. Yes they handed out mini Hershey bars which I stuffed right into my pocket for later refueling. Having not done any runs over 8 miles lately, I was a little a worried going in. As soon as I started running, I felt pretty good and knew that I would be okay. Slow and steady was my motto that day. Soon enough, I saw the Hershey stadium in front of me and the finish line ahead. Found my friends and joined in the celebration.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLoMnL6gKmK/?taken-by=deborahbrooks14
A great girls weekend and just what I needed. So grateful for the relay option this time but Hershey Half -next year I am coming back to run the whole thing myself. Isn’t it funny how escaping for the weekend to run a race is actually relaxing?
Linking up:
I’ve always wanted to do this race! NOW I MUST
It’s really such a fun race I loved it hills and all
it’s a fun one!
So so fun! I would do this, just for the chocolate. Hershey’s is my favorite!
Mine too! Simple but so yummy
I was following along on Instagram last weekend. It sounds like a blast! And I love that medal!!!
The medal is great but I still think they should make it out of chocolate 🙂
Omg, that race medal!! I’d love to do a chocolate or wine run one day. I wish we had one close by. That looks like fun 🙂
The medal is so cute!
I’m so glad the race went well and you had fun! Congrats on pulling off the 8 miles, without being able to train as much!
It sounds like a blast!
It was a great race and hope to do the whole distance next year
I feel like Frozen now. “Chocolate!” I like if races have relay options since I’m not sure I want to do a half again any time soon.
I love that option because it really just invites so many more people to participate
Sounds like a fun weekend with friends! And chocolate…you can’t go wrong with that. I’ve never run a relay, but it’s something I’d like to try. Congrats!
You know relays are a great change of pace and it’s a different feeling to know that you are part of a team
I’m a chocolate addict, so this is my kind of race! That medal is so adorable.
Maybe next year you will join me!
Holy moly! That medal is awesome. I would totally come back east to do this race. Sounds so fun and it would be a fun family trip too.
Oh maybe next year you will join me!
It’s so great you were able to do the half as a relay. I’m sure you’ll rock the whole thing next year!
I was so happy to do the relay! Yes next year for sure
I mean, if you HAVE TO run…… Running for chocolate is PRETTY MUCH why you should! LOL!
Absolutely!
How fun does this look/sound? And I LOVE the medal!!!
The medal is so cute just wish it was made out of real chocolate
I may just have to add this race to my bucket list…. Looks amazing and your pics are great as always!
It was a fun one!
This sounds like so much fun!! I went to Hershey PA once, but it was right after Hurricane Irene so everything was closed!
Sounds like you need to come run it next year 🙂
It sounds like such a fun race! I love that they included park tickets so you could spend some time in the park too. This one is definitely on my list of races to try some day.
It was a fun one and easy logistics
Aw so happy you were able to run the race as a relay! It looks like such an awesome weekend!!
We had a great time for sure
OMG you so had me a chocolate and a race, my mouth is watering sooo! This looks like so much fun Deborah!
Spending time with great friends, running a relay race, eating chocolate ummm I get it, I so get it!!!
Yes exactly! Great weekend and just what I needed
This is awesome, thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a fantastic weekend. That’s great that you got free tickets for Hershey Park for the race entry. I always had fun going to Hershey Park. I haven’t been in many years but do remember that smell in the chocolate factory……very yummy!
Gotta love the smell of chocolate in the air!
I agree I think race vacations are relaxing too!
So fun you did a relay, I’ve only done one of them and its just a totally different experience with a bunch of friends. Sounds like you guys had a great time.
Love the medal too, so cute!
Yes relay races do have a totally different feel. I really like them!
This would be such a great girls weekend! Maybe I need to look into the logistics of it since I have a daughter in Pennsylvania! That medal looks good enough to eat LOL
Oh yes! meet me there next year
Hmmm. I might be talked into this one. I LOVE the medal! So glad your foot held up!
Oh yes you should join us next year for sure!
Awesome! I know a few people who also did Hershey, and it seems like it got great reviews all around…I’d love to try it one day!
I was really happy with the logistics a fun race for sure
This is on my bucket list too! I love the idea of combining my passion for running and chocolate,
It’s the best combo 🙂
So much fun, this is a race I would love to run!!
Maybe next year?
This looks like a great race, I def want to run it someday! I love the medal!
The medal is so cute!
looks like such a fun weekend! love hanging out with other runners! they always bring such a great energy!
Yes! Best way to spend the weekend with friends
This looks like such a fun race, gotta love chocolate!! Good job girl
It was such a fun weekend
Congrats on your Half-Marathon!!! Who doesn’t want to run for chocolate? I would have loved that race, too!
You might have to add it to your list
I’m not a runner but I think I may just run for chocolate too! Sounds like this was a fun race. Love the medal! Way to go!
Chocolate is always a great motivator for me
That sounds really fun!!! A girls weekend with chocolate, running, and a theme park without kids sounds like heaven!
Yes exactly!
I have always wanted to visit Hershey Park because of the chocolate smell. And now that they have a race, I may have to talk a group of girls into going with me. It sounds like you had a great time, especially since you are planning to return next year.
Yes check it out they have another race in the spring I think
Congrats on your race! Looks like you had fun with the girls. I didn’t realize race entry gave you access to Hershey Park! I love the medal…Reese’s cups are my favorite! I’ll have to look into this race next year 🙂
Oh yes not too far from you!
So glad to hear that you had a great girls/race weekend. The Hershey Half is on my list too. Hopefully I’ll eventually get to run it!
Yes maybe you will join us next year
That’s great that you could do the relay instead of the full half. And a race with chocolate sounds like a good idea.
There is a race over here that always sells out way before I get a chance to enter called the Cakeathon. It’s a lap race and you can do as many laps within 8 hours as you like But the aid stations groan under the weight of cake. I really need to be quicker off the mark to enter!
wow a cake athon that sounds really interesting!
It’s funny how it is relaxing to run on weekends! Weekends are the only time I get to sleep in, yet I’m usually up early for training or racing. I think the Hershey Half sounds awesome! I’ve always wanted to do one of the Hot Chocolate runs- I will definitely run for chocolate!
Yes sleep is over rated right?
First, Deborah you look great! It’s the smile. Who wouldn’t run for chocolate. Pretty sure that’s the best bling ever.
You are too kind! I think I was smiling because I wasn’t sure if I would finish without walking. You never know!
Looks like a great race! It’s on my bucket list as well.
It’s a fun one!
We visited Hershey Park a few years back with the kids and I always thought this would be a fun race to do. It’s great you had the relay option!
You should do it next year!
This race looks so fun! I’ll have to add it to my bucket list of races!
It was a fun one for sure
This looks so fun! And that medal is fantastic!
Isn’t it just so cute?!
What an awesome race! That medal looks yummy 🙂
Doesn’t it?! 🙂
It is relaxing and I am leaving for ZOOMA Florida tomorrow afternoon! I like the idea of a relay half- that is something you can still have a lot of fun with and share with a friend. Looks like you had a great time- congrats!
Ooh have a great time at Zooma!
I read about this race every year and I’m always envious. It sounds like such a fun one. And who DOESN’T run for chocolate? 😉
I certainly do!
That is the coolest medal! I would definitely do this… for the chocolate 😉
Of course!!
This sounds really fun!
Sounds fun! I love girls getaway race weekends!
They are the best!
I have the Hershey Half Marathon on my list of races for Pennsylvania. After reading your post I think it has been decided that it will be my PA race! And I am confident after my race this weekend I will be able to handle the hills too! ;o) Great race recap!
Awesome! I hope to do it again next year. it’s really well run and a fun race for sure