National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates takes place on September 12, 2026, in Del Valle, Texas, at Barkley Meadows Park. The event offers four distance options: 1 mile, 5K, 10K, and half marathon, giving runners multiple ways to participate regardless of fitness level. The race starts at 7:30 AM. Entry fees range from $30 to $45 depending on distance selected. If you can't attend in person, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. The course map will be emailed to registered participants, so you'll have the details in advance. This Austin/Round Rock area event provides a straightforward racing experience for endurance athletes looking for a September competition.
From the Race Organizer
🍫🏃♀️ Ready, Set, Chocolate! 🏃♂️🍫 Join Us for the Sweetest Run of the Year – The Chocolate Run! Lace up your running shoes and bring your sweet tooth—because this isn’t your average race. It’s a deliciously fun event for all ages and fitness levels! Forget the massive, impersonal race-day crowds. We keep things small, personal, and local, so every run feels less like a number and more like a memory. Whether it's a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or virtual run, you'll get the warmth of a hometown event. Overview: Spots sell out FAST! We close each wave the moment it fills. Once a wave sells out, you can grab the virtual run option or join the waitlist. This is a smaller, private group run with a capped field per wave so it never feels crowded and you're never just a bib number. All paces and ages welcome (under 18 with a guardian) - run it, walk it, however you like! There's no gear, no setup, no fuss - just you, the course, and our coordinators cheering you on in a relaxed, stress-free setting. When you sign up, you're not just registering for a race - you're getting real support toward your fitness goals, plus an invite to join one of our local run clubs to keep the momentum going. Timing: Optional! Track your own time via Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, or similar, then submit it through our easy online form to get posted. Or just ask a coordinator to help time you. No timing chips - this is about progress, not pressure. What You Get (Swag Bag): - Running T-shirt (shipped to your address - U.S. only) - Finisher's medal - Virtual Training Run (emailed to you a month before your run) - Online results & certificate of completion - Invitation to join a local running club - NEW: Upgrade to a lightweight, moisture-wicking technical shirt for just $5 more Packet Pickup? Skip It. No lines, no hassle - your swag ships straight to your door. (Double check your full U.S. mailing address, including apartment number, when you register as your shirt is sent to this address!) Race bibs are simply handed out on race day. When Will My Swag Arrive? Your shirt will arrive at your mailing address the week of your race. Signing Up Last Minute? (Within 2 Weeks of the Race) No problem - just note that shipping may not catch up in time, so your shirt could arrive after race day. No worries, though: wear whatever you like and come run with us anyway! When Will I Receive the Course Map and Details? We'll send final participant info by the Wednesday before race day with all the details and course maps. Wave Times ( Once you've registered, use your confirmation number to reserve a wave here ) Wave A: 7:30 AM Wave B: 8:00 AM Wave C: 8:30 AM Running Late? Jump in when you arrive - our coordinators stay on-site for 3 hours after the first wave. Times may be subject to change depending on seasons, please check your participant info email! Got more questions? Check our FAQ . Virtual Run Option Prefer to run on your own time? Our Virtual Run includes a digital training pack to keep you on track. Run it whenever, wherever, with any tracking device you like (optional) — then send your results to info@thebestraces.com to claim your medal. Race Bundle Sign up for multiple races and save with a bundle discount. Sponsorships & Promoting Your Business Want to put your business in front of our community? We'd love to feature you as a sponsor. Learn more . Team Glo Volunteers Love helping people cross finish lines? Join our volunteer team and help bring these community runs to life. Sign up here . Be Part of the Journey Discover our charity initiatives at https://www.thebestraces.com/runforothers/ . Got a mission that helps people around the world? Let us help you fundraise at no cost to you. Your Race | Your Journey | Your Story
Course & Travel Notes
At 495 feet elevation, Del Valle offers relatively minimal altitude adjustment, allowing runners to maintain steady pacing without significant acclimatization concerns. The 7:30 AM start time comes just 17 minutes after sunrise on September 12th, so expect limited pre-dawn darkness and relatively quick transition to daylight running. Typical weather for this time of year in the Austin area brings highs around 91°F and lows near 67°F, with a 22% chance of measurable rain, so plan accordingly with hydration and weather-appropriate gear. Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is conveniently located just 3.4 miles from the venue, making travel logistics straightforward for out-of-town participants.
⛰️ 495 ft elevation☀️ Typically 91°F / 67°F · 22% chance of rain✈️ Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) — 3.4 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Del Valle, TX. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Del Valle, TX.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX?
National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Del Valle, Texas.
Where is National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX held?
National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX is held at Barkley Meadows Park (Course Map will be emailed) in Del Valle, Texas.
Where can I find hotels near National Chocolate Day: Run for Chocolates 5K/10K/13.1 AUSTIN/ROUNDROCK 2026 — Del Valle, TX?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Del Valle. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
