There are plenty of reasons to run a 5K or 10K in November. A steaming cup of hot chocolate waiting at the finish is certainly one of the better ones.

Blast Running's Hot Chocolate 5K & 10K returns to Edinburgh on Sunday 22 November, following a memorable first edition that proved even persistent Scottish rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of its runners.

More than 450 people signed up for the inaugural event in November 2025, with over 380 braving the wet conditions to run along Silverknowes Promenade. Organisers described a soggy but cheerful morning, with hot chocolate providing a particularly welcome finish line reward.

The 2026 event returns to Gypsy Brae Recreation Ground, with both distances starting at 11:00am. Runners will head onto the waterfront promenade beside the Firth of Forth, enjoying a flat course that offers opportunities for quick times as well as a relaxed Sunday morning run.

There is a competitive side too. The Scottish Athletics licensed event offers age category prizes, with results submitted to Run Britain Rankings. Finisher medals are optional, but everyone completing their chosen distance receives a cup of hot chocolate.

This year's event also supports Cancer Card and the Bowelbabe Fund, adding a charitable element to the winter running.

The 5K is open to runners aged 11 and over, while the 10K has a minimum age of 15.

Last November's runners had to contend with plenty of rain. Whether the weather behaves this time remains to be seen, but at least the finish line refreshments are already sorted.

Entries are available now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.