Chocolate Race Details (Top)
- Race categories: 10 mile, 10k, 5k (Note: You can run OR walk in any of these categories)
- Race takes place on Sunday, May 12th
- Staging Venue: Grantham Lion's Club, St. Catharines DIRECTIONS
- Start Times: 10mile - 9:45 a.m. 10k - 10 a.m. 5k - 10:15 a.m.
- Course "closes" at: 11:45 a.m. (Athletes still on course asked to take to sidewalks please)
- Out and back course including wide, packed trail, residential roadways and bike paths following the lake
- (Go to COURSE to see course map, eleveation profile & course photos)
- Prettier than pie technical apparel and medals to ALL finishers
- Registration Fees: 10mile-$65 10k-$60 5k-$50 Price increases February 1 and April 1
- Please note that the above fees INCLUDE YOUR post-race chocolate!!!!
- Port-a-potties en route
- Bag check at the start/finish
- Temperature Range May 12: 8 to 22 degrees Celcius at 10 a.m. (46 F to 72 F)
- Chip Time results
- Walkers welcome but no official walking award categories
- Awards will be presented at the post-race party at Grantham Lion's Park after racers have had a chance to review and query results. YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD.
- Award categories: 1st male, 1st female in each distance; Top 3 in age groups: 19&under, 20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60&over
- 2013 CAPS: 5k-500 10k-500 10mile-250
Once your hard work is done, celebrate an amazing achievement and personalize your fantastic Chocolate Race Finisher Medal with an iTaB. The iTaB is a small plate engraved with your Name and Finish Time which fits neatly in to the back of the medal; simply click here to confirm your details and your iTaB will be engraved and sent to you for just $10.00.
- Terms: NO Refunds, NO delaying registrations to future years, Distance changes by email until Sunday May 5, 2013
Please check your email/junk box after you register as you will get a registration confirmation from Online Registrations (immediately) and a Welcome email from The Chocolate Race (within a week)!
Sweet Saturday Festivities (Top)
Join us on Saturday May 11th & for one day...
Indulge your inner Parisienne!
Cheese & Chocolate Pairings
Ooh La La - you have not lived until you've paired some of Canada's finest cheeses with chocolate! We've partned with local cheese afficionados Cheesy Guys to come up with several pairings that will make your heart melt! Seriously!
Truffle Shots
Ooh La La - it's terribly hard to sip one of these 2oz shots of pure chocolate love when they are this decadent! And yes, filled with goodness that you won't believe as they're made by Toronto's raw, vegan chocolate maker, LiveOnChocolate. Owner Stacey will be on hand selling her uber-awesome, healthy chocolates.
Self-Serve Chocolate Spa (Top)
Ooh La La - if tommorrow is about being a tough cookie, today is, without a doubt, time for delicious pampering! Sumptuously indulge your fave body parts in French Cocoa Whipped Body Butter, Absolute Cocoa Body Lotion, Pink Sugar Silk Crème or Sugarfrost Peppermint Cocoa Foot Crème.
Wine + Chocolate Pairings (Top)
Prepare your taste buds for an adventure for this is not your regular wine + chocolate pairings!!! Dark chocolate may go with most everything, but venture outside the norm and we promise that you'll fall in love with some non-conventional pairings of chocolate and wine.
Beer + Chocolate Pairings (Top)
Why stop with wine? Pair the right chocolate with beer and your taste buds will be dancing with excitement! Not a beer drinker? Don't worry - chocolate really enhances the beer so it might just be like falling in love for the first time!
Pink Champagne Chocolate Fondue with Strawberries (Top)
This fondue will absolutely knock your socks off! And's it's healthy to boot! A rich mixture of dark chocolate, coconut oil and our favourite pink champagne make the fondue base. We could think of nothing more sensual for your mouth than to skewer fresh strawberries for dipping! Ohh la la!
Make your own energy bar workshop (Top)
Chocolate and running go hand-in-hand when they come together for a post-workout snack. Learn how to make vegan, gluten-free, soy-free bars based on a no-bake brownie recipe from local author and food writer Laurie Sadowski's The Allergy-Free Cook Bakes Cakes and Cookies.
You'll get the details on their post-run benefits, how to modify them to create your own masterpiece, and a healthy (but decadent) frosting for a twist on dessert.
Note: The workshops are FREE but space is limited. Workshops are held in the kitchen of Grantham Lion's Hall at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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Sampling/Pairing tickets are available in $1 denominations at the event. Sample/Pairing prices range from $2 to $5. Cash only please! Samples available until they run out.
"MINI" Chocolate Races (Top)
"Pint Size" 1 km Chocolate Race
- Malcolmson Eco Park trail (i.e. Adult race start/finish)
- 8:30 a.m. start time
- Registration $10 per "Pint Size" Chocolate Runner
- Chocolate hunt enroute
- Participant ribbon and chocolate treat at finish line
- Pre-registration required
"Adventure Kids" 2 km Chocolate TRAIL Race
- Malcolmson Eco Park trail (i.e. Adult race start/finish)
- 9 a.m. start time
- Registration $25 per "Adventure Kid" Chocolate Runner
- Participant ribbon and chocolate treat at finish line
- Chocolate Race shirt for first 10 finishers
- Pre-registration required
- Note: This is NOT a timed race
Portion of proceeds from MINI Chocolate Races goes to "Don't Get Lost Adventure Running Kids" program
MINI Chocolate Races produced by Monkey See Monkey Do Martial Arts Training
Chocolate Adventure Land (Top)
"Pint Size" Play Area
- Ages to 6 years old
- Ring Toss
- Bean Bag Throw
- Balloon Artist
- Free!
- Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on race day, Sunday May 12th
"Adventure Kids Training Zone"
- Ages 7-13 years
- Activity stations from the Don't Get Lost Adventure Running Kids™ program
- Free!
- Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on race day, Sunday May 12th
Race Kit Pickup (Top)
Saturday May 11th, Race Headquarters, Grantham Lion's Club - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday May 12th, Race Headquarters, Grantham Lion's Club 8:00 a.m. to 15 minutes before start of each race
DIRECTIONS for kit pickup
Chocolate (Top)
On Course
It's been a tradition to have Moyer's Apple Farm (Niagara Peninsula farmers) serve chocolate-covered strawberries/marshmellows as a treat for all runners. If you go the distance, however, we'll have a custom-made CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE SHOT at the 10 mile chocolate station, thanks to Toronto's raw, vegan chocolate maker, LiveOnChocolate!
Finish Line
Continue your indulgence and refuel your body with chocolate milk.
Post-Race Party (Top)
Now it's time to celebrate! Head back to Grantham Lion's Park and indulge in sweet heart-shaped chocolate truffles, beyond-decadent chocolate croissants and [most likely] yummy chocolate fudge! Wait...there's more!
We've partnered with local Chocolatier Toute Sweet to make our personal favourite, PINK CHAMPAGNE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES as the grande finale of chocolates for our racers! And what better to pair with these sweet truffles than a glass of PINK CHAMPAGNE! (Please note that you must be of age to enjoy the glass of pink champagne).
Feeling like something a little more substantial? Not to worry we'll have food trucks on site Southern Smoke and Avellas Wood Fired Oven (pizza)! Food trucks are cash only. Stretch it out, stay for the awards and catch the live music of one of Niagara's best local bands, Filibuskers:
Directions (Top)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (22.6 km/14 miles from Niagara Falls)
SATURDAY - Race Kit Pickup, Grantham Lion's Club, 732 Niagara St., St. Catharines, ON
From Toronto
- Take QEW to St. Catharines
- Take Niagara St. exit and travel north (turn LEFT) on Niagara St.
- Drive 4.7 km (2.9 m) on Niagara St.
- Grantham Lion's Club is on RIGHT. Park here OR...
- Turn RIGHT on Parnell Rd. and LEFT into Port Weller School parking lot OR...
- Turn LEFT on Bunting Rd. to access Welland Canal Parking Lot
From Niagara falls/U.S.A.
- Take QEW to St. Catharines
- Take Niagara St. exit and travel north (turn RIGHT) on Niagara St.
- Drive 4.7 km (2.9 m) on Niagara St.
- Grantham Lion's Club is on RIGHT. Park here OR...
- Turn RIGHT on Parnell Rd. and LEFT into Port Weller School parking lot OR...
- Turn LEFT on Bunting Rd. to access Welland Canal Parking Lot
SUNDAY - Race Kit Pickup & Pre/Post Race Festivities, Grantham Lion's Club, 732 Niagara St., St. Catharines, ON
(Please download the map/directions above for parking around Grantham Lion's Club)
From Toronto
- Take QEW to St. Catharines
- Take Niagara St. exit and travel north (turn LEFT) on Niagara St.
- Drive 4.7 km (2.9 m) on Niagara St.
- Turn RIGHT on Parnell Rd. and LEFT into Port Weller School parking lot OR...
- Turn LEFT on Bunting Rd. to access Welland Canal Parking Lot
From Niagara falls/U.S.A.
- Take QEW to St. Catharines
- Take Niagara St. exit and travel north (turn RIGHT) on Niagara St.
- Drive 4.7 km (2.9 m) on Niagara St.
- Turn RIGHT on Parnell Rd. and LEFT into Port Weller School parking lot OR...
- Turn LEFT on Bunting Rd. to access Welland Canal Parking Lot
Accommodation (Top)
| 5 to 7 km from Race Start/Finish |
| Capri Inn |
| Days Inn |
| Best Western |
| Comfort Inn |
| Travelodge |
| Bed & Breakfasts-Port Dalhousie |
| Have you tried www.hotels.ca for the best rates? |
Results (Top)
Photos (Top)
Stories (Videos & Blogs) (Top)
Redemption Tastes Like Chocolate
The Real Victory - The Moose Pyjama Chronicles
Charity (Top)
Starting in 2013, the Chocolate Race is proudly partnering with Grantham Lion's Club in St. Catharines. The Lion's Club has specific charities that it distributes all fundraising dollars to. Racers can choose to raise funds for one of the following supported charities:Alzheimer's Association of Niagara
Boys & Girls Club of Niagara
Community Care Niagara
Diabetes Awareness
Lion's Journey For Sight
Lion's Eye Care Niagara
Lion's Camp Dorset
All funds collected will go directly to the Grantham Lion's Club and in turn, be redistributed to one of the above charities that YOU designate. Raise a minimum of $150 for your charity and you will receive a special chocolate gift!
Here are the steps to begin your fundraising venture:
1. Register for the race
2. On the registration page, choose one of the charities listed in the drop down menu
4. Collect pledges by having supporters click on your name on the confirmation list.
5. Bring in any cash/cheque pledges on the SATURDAY of race weekend using THIS FORM.
Alternatively, if you have already signed up for the race and later decide to fundraise, send an email to sinful@thechocolaterace to let us know which charity you have chosen. We will add the charity's name to your personal Online Registration Pledge Page.
All donations of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt from the respective charity FOLLOWING THE RACE.
mmmondays (Top)
Join us every Monday on our FACEBOOK Page to win CHOCOLATE!
That's right! We're making Mondays a little more mmmarvelous with chocolate giveaways. Be the first to answer our trivia contest and the chocolate is yours! Go here to access our FACEBOOK Page.
FAQ (Top)
Why Chocolate and running?
Because the organizers seriously believe that life is darn short, running will always be hard & my god, chocolate tastes damn good! So if your focus is on the win and not the chocolate, or your knickers are regularly knotty (not "naughty"), come back some other time when you feel like living it up - in the sweetest way possible!
Is any of your chocolate dairy, gluten or peanut free?
Sorry, we can NOT guarantee that any of our chocolate from our suppliers is dairy, gluten or peanut free.
I'm looking for a traditional race, are you it?
No way - there are a gazillion races you can choose from out there so if you're looking for the standard race setup, this is not the race for you! Although this race has traditional distances (5k, 10k and 10 miler), our goal is to make it as fun as possible all in the name of "celebrating the good - and sweet life."
Are men allowed?
For sure - men tell us they do The Chocolate Race because they either love chocolate themselves or they love the 800 some women that do the race!
Are baby joggers, roller blades or bikes allowed?
Sorry, due to the nature of the course, baby joggers, roller blades or bikes are NOT allowed.
How do I register?
Please make sure you famliarize yourself with the race by going through this website BEFORE you register. You then have two options to register:
1. Online with visa or mastercard
2. Mail in your registration - If you do mail in your registration, it must reach us the week BEFORE the race for your name to appear on the Confirmation List. Otherwise, your registration form will be treated as a "day-of" entry.
Where do I find confirmation of my registration?
Whether you have entered online or mailed-in your registration, confirmation can be found on this list (Mailed registration forms will be entered in this list within 5 business days AFTER THEY ARE RECEIVED): http://www.onlineregistrations.ca/chocolateHM/list.php
Can I register on the day-of?
Please note that Online registration typically closes on the Wednesday or Thursday before the race. Mail-in registrations will be entered into the Online Database up until one week before race date. We typically have day-of registration unless an event is sold out. Registraton status updates will be posted ON THIS PAGE.
Can I switch events?
You can switch events up to the week BEFORE race date by sending us an email (sinful@thechocolaterace.com). Race day switches are subject to availability of space in an event.
What happens if I can't race?
Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable to future years. Due to limitations with insurance, we no longer allow bibs to be transferred from one runner to another.
Can I pickup my friend's registration kit?
Yes. You must give us a letter stating your full name & the names of the persons whose kits you are picking up. Please note that you in turn become responsible for the swag, bib number and timing device of your friends. The REPLACEMENT cost of a bib and timing device are $15 on race day.
When do I Receive my Winner's Award?
Awards will be presented at the post-race party at Grantham Lion's Park after racers have had a chance to review and query results. YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD.
I think my finishing time is incorrect or I am missing from the results. Who do I contact?
Please contact Chip Time Results, our event timer: http://www.chiptimeresults.com/contact/
Please be ready to provide the following information:
Full Name & Bib Number
Event (5k, 10k, 10miler)
Location of Timing Device (On shoe, On shorts, On Bib, In pocket, Other)
Estimated Finish Time (HH:MM:SS)
How you estimated your finish time (Time on clock; Your watch from start line to finish; The name of a runner you finished near)
Media (Top)
Current Press Releases (Top)
April 10, 2013 The Chocolate Race offers decadent taste testing adventure for Mother's Day event...read here
March 13, 2013 Chocolate Giraffe Huntress sculpture chosen for exhibit...read here
Media Excerpts (Top)
Best race for a sweet tooth
Greatist.com
Why run it? For a sugar fix.
Runner's World Magazine
Will run for chocolate.
Ottawa Citizen
It takes a kid in the candy store to the next level.
espnW
Some people run to work off their sweets consumption. In Port Dalhousie this weekend, they will pound the pavement to indulge it.
St. Catharines Standard
And that's the beauty of the chocolate race. We have a blast, a great workout, and we get to taste sweet rewards.
Niagara Life Magazine
First you revel in a day of chocolate indulgence, then you run a half-marathon - and reward you rself afterward with more chocolate.
Good Times Magazine
Travel Writers' /Media Blogs (Top)
GREATist.com puts us on a list of "The 21 Most Incredible Themed Races!"
Fox News Network says "We're just plain ol' crazy!"
What Travel Writers Say
Facing the Street
W-ESPN: Five races that take food beyond fuel
WanderFood Wednesday: Will Run for Chocolate
Downloads (Top)
Logo - web version
Logo - print version
Spectrum of media outlets that have covered The Chocolate Race: (Top)
Media Contact
The Chocolate Race
Diane Chesla
905-932-6356
diane@dirtyrunnerproductions.com
Over the past 5 years, 85% of The Chocolate Race participants have been female, between the ages of 30-60, professionals living in the Greater Toronto Area. Additionally:
- In 2013 we were successful in being voted "An Event of Municipal Significance" by St. Catharine's City Council
- In 2013 we were granted a Special Occassion's Permit by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- In 2013 we added wine & chocolate pairings as well as other chocolate taste testings and Pink Champagne to the post-race party
- In 2013 we added Kid's Races to make it a traditional Mother's Day event
We are interested in speaking to potential Corporate Sponsors for 2014. We offer Sponsors the following exposure:
- Aid Stations - deliver your message to a captive audience of participants
- Post-race party - promote and sell your products/services to race participants & their guests
- Race website & social networking
- Race email campaign promotion
- Joint media promotion
- Product/Service distribution to target participants
Course (Top)
The big news for 2013 is that the course is being run in reverse!What does this mean?
- New starting/finish line - Malcolmson Eco Park
- First ~900 metres are run on flat, hard-packed trail
- Corral UPDATE: We will NOT be using formal starting corrals. Alternatively, we will use the same system as 2012 whereby runners assign themselves a starting position: "Speedies" at the front of the lineup; "Speed Chasers" mid-lineup and; "Chocolate Addicts" at the end of the starting lineup
- Please note that the all runners report to Grantham Lion's Club on Niagara St. to start their race
- Please see DIRECTIONS for locations
VIEW 5k COURSE VIEW 10k COURSE VIEW 10m COURSE
Elevation
Note: The elevation profile was created in Map My Run and does not reflect an accurate view of the return portion of the course. Please refer to link above "2013 Course Map."
Contact (Top)
Dirty Runner Productions
125 Carlton St.
PO Box 23043
St. Catharines, ON
L2R 1R5
sinful@thechocolaterace.com
905-932-6356