If you’re looking to fill out your race calendar with something sweet: we have just the race for you! Here are 4 reasons to run the Hershey 10K next year!
4 Reasons to Run the Hershey 10K
I make no secret about my love of Hershey, Pennsylvania.
It was literally love at first sight, or more accurately, at first mention that such a magical place existed!
A town built on Hershey chocolate in Pennsylvania? My pre-teen self was downright giddy over the news.
This year I really get to indulge in the sweetest town on earth. This means I get to share all my Hershey love without holding back!
And guys, there’s a lot of it.
If you’ve never been to Hershey, PA, here are four tips for visiting Hershey. Everyone is a first-timer at some point, right?
As a runner, you have many reasons to love Hershey. Here are at least 5 reasons runners love Hershey?but I think I have a few more.
If you haven’t planned a Spring Break race, the Hershey 10K is calling your name!
The Hershey 10K sweet deets for 2018:
- It’s the 7th Annual Hershey 10K
- The Hershey 10K will run on April 7th at 7:30 pm
- Hershey 10K race registration is open now and costs $50
- Hersheypark is open for Springtime in the Park that weekend!
The Hershey 10K Course Runs Through the Park
That’s right: you can run through the great town of Hershey, PA as well as Hersheypark.
I gotta warn you: there are a few rolling hills on the Hershey 10K course, though!
This may not bother most people, but you know I whine about stuff like this, so I felt it was important to add as a reminder.
You might see the Hershey Triple Tower during the Hershey 10K! Photo: Hershey Park
Make?sure you pause to take some fun Hersheypark pictures while on the run!
I mean, how often can you see the park empty except for volunteers and runners?
Don’t pause the Garmin, but pull over out of the way and don’t forget the Hersheypark pictures during your Hershey 10K.
The Hershey 10K Benefits The Ronald McDonald House
A charity I happen to love: the Ronald McDonald House.
When my oldest son was born, we spent a lot of time at the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville while he was recovering in the hospital nearby. These home-away-from-homes are lifesavers for families with critically ill children in need.
We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for months – for free or at a?very low cost- which allowed us to stay close to our son in the hospital.
I cannot say enough good things about the organization and hope you can see how important they are to support!
The Hershey 10K supports not just the Ronald McDonald House, but other worthy charities as well.
The?Hershey 10K?benefits the following Central Pennsylvania charities.
From HersheyPA.com:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA?provides comfort and care to children and their families through Ronald McDonald House, its cornerstone program, and by making grants to other local not-for-profit organizations to help children in need. RMHC also funds the Ronald McDonald Family Room?, Hospitality Cart, and family lounges at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Aaron’s Acres?provides individuals with special needs ages 5-21 year-round therapeutically based age-appropriate recreational programs directed by specially trained and certified staff in a supportive environment that enhances socialization and communication skills. Emotional, educational, and recreational support is offered for the entire family.
Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance?protects children by teaching citizens to recognize and report child abuse and neglect by providing information, educational materials, and programs that promote positive parenting.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving?The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.
Special Chocolate Town Challenge Swag
There’s a Challenge, you say?
I knew I could get your attention.
Run either the Hershey 10K and the Hershey Half Marathon for 5 years and you qualify for the Chocolate Town Challenge. It’s that simple.
Well, as simple as running for 5 years can be!
If the 10K doesn’t work for you, here’s some info on the Hershey Half Marathon coming in October!
Hershey Half Marathon sweet deets:
- Costs from May 1 – June 10: $80
- Costs from June 11 – event (or until sold out): $90
- Race registration cost includes: race registration, two (2) tickets to?Hersheypark In The Dark, a long sleeve tech shirt, bib with timing device, participant bag, post-race recovery & refreshment bag, and a finisher’s medal.
- The Hershey Half Marathon is running October 21, at 7:30 am
The Hershey 10K Medals, Race Shirts and Swag are gorgeous!
Of course, they are!
The Hershey 10K Medal
This medal commemorates the 14th coaster, Breakers Edge, opening at Hersheypark this summer!
The Hershey 10K shirt
I seriously adore how they incorporated the Hersheypark Kissing Tower!
What are you waiting for: Go Sign Up for the Hershey 10K!?
More Hershey PA Posts You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love the Hershey Lodge
Get Hersheypark Happy! All the Sweet Deets to Visit the Park
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
Rach @ Girl On The Run
Saturday 24th of March 2018
I've been meaning to do the half marathon there in the fall for years! It looks so fun. I didn't realize they had a 10K earlier in the year, either, but it is kind of far for me.
Becky @ Disney in your Day
Wednesday 21st of March 2018
Hershey 10k is one of my favorites! This year should have been my year to get the challenge swag because it will be my 5th year running it, but I had a DNF 2 minutes into last year's when I fell and split my chin open. Luckily it doesn't have to be consecutive so I'll just have to wait for next year!
Kim G
Wednesday 21st of March 2018
I have a few friends that have run this race and they loved it! If it works with my schedule I might check it out this year.
Kimberly Hatting
Tuesday 20th of March 2018
This sounds like a great town to visit and a great event to run! Our oldest daughter is in Hanover...I'll have to check a map to see how near (or far LOL) she is from Hershey. This could be a fun adventure next year ;-)
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
Tuesday 20th of March 2018
I still haven't done a Hershey race, I need to keep it on my radar since it's not too far away from me!