New Year’s Day 5k Hot Chocolate Run 2026
- Date Thu 1st January 2026
- Time 1:00PM EST
- Location Salisbury, Maryland
- Price Free - $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
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Event summary
Get ready to kick off the New Year with a bang at the Almost-Famous New Year’s Day 5K Hot Chocolate Run on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in beautiful Salisbury, Wicomico! This exciting community event promises a delightful combination of fitness and fun, as participants race along the scenic trails surrounding Salisbury City Park and the Zoo. With a course that features mostly crushed gravel paths, runners can expect a flat and fast route, perfect for chasing personal records or simply enjoying a leisurely jog with family and friends.
No matter what the weather brings—whether it’s a chilly breeze or a sunny start to the year—everyone will leave with a unique chocolate-scented shirt to commemorate their post-holiday hustle. Plus, enjoy delicious Dunkin' Donuts hot chocolate at the finish line along with water and snacks at the aid station. This event not only promotes health and wellness but also raises funds for the Minds in Motion Children's Museum, aimed at inspiring creativity and hands-on discovery for children. Join us for a fantastic start to 2026 filled with joy, community spirit, and of course, hot chocolate!
No matter what the weather brings—whether it’s a chilly breeze or a sunny start to the year—everyone will leave with a unique chocolate-scented shirt to commemorate their post-holiday hustle. Plus, enjoy delicious Dunkin' Donuts hot chocolate at the finish line along with water and snacks at the aid station. This event not only promotes health and wellness but also raises funds for the Minds in Motion Children's Museum, aimed at inspiring creativity and hands-on discovery for children. Join us for a fantastic start to 2026 filled with joy, community spirit, and of course, hot chocolate!
Organiser's Description
Its Back in 2026!
2018 was bitterly cold.
2019 was warm and inviting.
2020 was a bit windy.
2021 went virtual.
2022 came with a torrential downpour.
2023 brought a little chill.
2024 leaned warmer again.
2025 was beautiful...
What will 2026 bring?
Whatever the weather, you're guaranteed one thing: a chocolate-scented shirt to commemorate your post-holiday hustle!
Join us for the Almost-Famous New Year's Day Hot Chocolate 5K Runa feel-good, community-powered event that benefits the Minds in Motion Children's Museum. Start the year with fun, fitness, and purpose as we raise funds to bring an innovative, play-based learning space to Salisbury, Maryland.
About the Cause:
Minds in Motion Childrens Museum was founded by local families and educators to inspire children through exploration, creativity, and hands-on discovery. While the pandemic slowed us down, our board has been hard at work behind the scenes. Thanks to our generous supporters, were launching the museum in phasesmore exciting updates will be shared at the race!
Race Details:
Location: Trails surrounding Salisbury City Park and the Zoo, near the river
Course: Mostly crushed gravel trailsflat, scenic, and fast! Some roots and rocks may be present, so plan accordingly.
Aid Station: Water and snacks around mile 1.5
Finish Line: Water and Dunkin' Donuts hot chocolate with all the fixings
Swag: Chocolate-scented T-shirt includedguaranteed for those registered by December 1
Awards: Overall and age group winners receive HUGE mugs!
Bring the whole family out to run, cheer, or sip cocoa! Whether you're chasing a PR or just your kids, this is a great way to ring in 2026.
Questions?
Contact Race Director Vira Ogburn at [email protected]
2018 was bitterly cold.
2019 was warm and inviting.
2020 was a bit windy.
2021 went virtual.
2022 came with a torrential downpour.
2023 brought a little chill.
2024 leaned warmer again.
2025 was beautiful...
What will 2026 bring?
Whatever the weather, you're guaranteed one thing: a chocolate-scented shirt to commemorate your post-holiday hustle!
Join us for the Almost-Famous New Year's Day Hot Chocolate 5K Runa feel-good, community-powered event that benefits the Minds in Motion Children's Museum. Start the year with fun, fitness, and purpose as we raise funds to bring an innovative, play-based learning space to Salisbury, Maryland.
About the Cause:
Minds in Motion Childrens Museum was founded by local families and educators to inspire children through exploration, creativity, and hands-on discovery. While the pandemic slowed us down, our board has been hard at work behind the scenes. Thanks to our generous supporters, were launching the museum in phasesmore exciting updates will be shared at the race!
Race Details:
Location: Trails surrounding Salisbury City Park and the Zoo, near the river
Course: Mostly crushed gravel trailsflat, scenic, and fast! Some roots and rocks may be present, so plan accordingly.
Aid Station: Water and snacks around mile 1.5
Finish Line: Water and Dunkin' Donuts hot chocolate with all the fixings
Swag: Chocolate-scented T-shirt includedguaranteed for those registered by December 1
Awards: Overall and age group winners receive HUGE mugs!
Bring the whole family out to run, cheer, or sip cocoa! Whether you're chasing a PR or just your kids, this is a great way to ring in 2026.
Questions?
Contact Race Director Vira Ogburn at [email protected]
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