2027 Hot Cocoa Races

12th Annual Hot Cocoa Races sponsored by Sylvania Prevention Alliance 

A great family event that will help chase away the winter blues! Our Hot Cocoa Races are held in partnership with Olander Park. Racing begins at 9am with staggered starts to ensure a safe start. There are multiple distances to chose from including 5K, 10K, and 1 mile.

The 1 mile race will include the 1 mile loop around Olander Lake. This is a timed 1 mile run or walk open to ages 8+. 

The 5K race will start at the Nederhouser Building inside of Olander Park. From there participants will cross Sylvania Avenue into the Farmbrook neighborhood, run onto the University Parks Trail to McCord Road,  and heading north on McCord Road and making your way through the Monarch Meadows neighborhood. Finally, particpants will cross Sylvania Avenue back into Olander Park to circle the lake and finish inside Olander Park where you started. This race is open to ages 12+

The 10K will follow the same course, but continue onto the University Parks trail to the Holland Sylvania intersection, before coming back to the 5K course to finish. This race is open to ages 16+

Proceeds will go towards supporting Sylvania Prevention Alliance. Sylvania Prevention Alliance's mission is to empower youth, families, and the community to make safe and healthy choices. For more information, please visit our website. https://sylvaniaprevention.org/

Sign up today! Early bird pricing ends and shirt order deadline is on Monday February 8th.

Race Times

10K- Starts at 9:10am

5k- Starts at 9:05am

1 Mile- Starts at 9:10am

Age Group Awards

5K/10K (Top 3 in each group, male and female)

19 and under

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60+

1 Mile (TBD)

Packet Pick Up 

Wednesday February 24th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm at Dave's Running Shop in Sylvania, 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania, OH

Friday February 26th from 4:00 - 6:30 pm at the Nederhouser located in Olander Park. 

There will be limited RACE DAY Packet Pick-up at the race site for those who live more than 30 minutes away.

Join fellow runners on February 27, 2027 for the 2027 Hot Cocoa Races. It's a fantastic 10K, 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Sylvania.