What To Expect At The 2016 Hershey Half Marathon

 
photo by milposts on Instagram
 

5,000 runners will be running through the sweet streets of Hershey, PA next Sunday for the 13.1 mile Hershey Half Marathon.

Here is what you can expect from the sweetest half marathon there is, the #HersheyHalf

Registration

Check in Saturday, October 15 from 10 am – 5 pm to pick up your registration packet and visit The Expo at The Ice Palace located at the west end of Hersheypark Arena.

Registered participants will receive:

• a race bib
• a long sleeve tech shirt
• goodie bag
• two (2) tickets to Hersheypark In The Dark
• and more!

The Course

The Hershey Half Marathon course takes you by some of the most memorable landmarks in the town of Hershey. Runners run by the original Hershey chocolate factory, by rollercoasters at Hersheypark, down the iconic Chocolate Avenue which is lined with Hershey kiss street lights, and by Chocolate World.

Sweet outfits and characters.

It wouldn’t be the Hershey Half without some sweet outfits and the Hershey characters cheering you on along the race course. Runners wear Hershey's chocolate candy shirts like Reese's Peanut Butter or classic Hershey bar, and head bands with "Will Run For Chocolate" are also a popular choice for race day. 

A boost from the kids

One of the highlights of our race is when you take the turn heading onto Milton Hershey School’s campus. These students provide that boost of energy needed around mile marker 8 to help runners finish strong.

Chocolate Aid stations

In addition to water stations, a unique feature of this half is that there is an aid station that gives you ACTUAL Hershey’s chocolate while you are running. SWEET!

Running for a cause

The Hershey Half Marathon benefits Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Funds raised from the event go directly to patient services, research, equipment, program services and educational resources at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. 

A hill coming up Chocolate Avenue.

One of the most talked about parts of the course is the hill that you come up on Chocolate Avenue towards the end of the race.

Finisher’s medal

Every finisher will receive a medal which this year will be shaped like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

That is some sweet motivation to run the whole 13.1 miles!

Post Race

The race finishes in Hersheypark Stadium where families can greet their runners, you can take pictures and refreshments will be provided for registered participant. As an added bonus, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey will be offering complimentary post-race massages to runners at the stadium on a first-come-first-serve basis.

If you are running please sharing your photos with us using #HersheyHalf on Twitter and Instagram, or post them on the Chocolate Challenges Facebook page!