CHICAGO – The world's sweetest race, the Hot Chocolate 15/5k, announced its 2012/13 season featuring 8 races across America starting with Albuquerque's inaugural event September 30th.

More than a race, the Hot Chocolate is a premium runner's experience from registration to the post-race party. Official race mascot Marshall Marshmallow and DJ Run dance participants into the Hot Chocolate Wonderland inspired Expo complete with a 12 foot chocolate fountain and marshmallow palm trees. All runners' goodie bags feature award winning Hot Chocolate wind and water-resistant jacket, recipient of multiple "Best of Competitor" awards.

After running through Old Town and the Zoo, participants will sprint to the finish line with DJ Run pushing them for a PR. Chocolate fondue, hot cocoa and other chocolate delights await runners in the post-race party where everyone's a Party Girl or Party Boy! Kids can play at the Ronald McDonald House Charities' Kid Zone with a bounce house, slides, obstacles and more fun.

"Albuquerque is pleased that [RAM] Racing thinks so highly of our city that they want to conduct a Hot Chocolate event here this fall ... we appreciate the opportunity to be included on the schedule with other highly visible cities." says Dan Ballou, Director of Sports Marketing at the Visit Albuquerque. To promote the race, Marshall and the official Hot Chocolate 15/5k RV is traveling across the States and New Mexico; follow it online and see it when it comes near you. The race's official charity partner will be the Ronald McDonald House Albuquerque. Runners can elect to raise funds for RMHC which will add to the race's contribution. The RMHC helps lessen the burden of hospitalization and ensures families have the stability and resources they need to keep their child healthy and happy. For more than 37 years, their approach has been to think globally but act locally by tailoring programs to address the most urgent needs of the community they serve.