For the ninth year, people of all ages and abilities are invited to hit the trail with the Tucson J, kicking off the season of light with movement and community for the annual Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run on Sunday, Dec. 7. This year’s run features timed 5k and 1-mile races and a free, untimed 1k fun run. Each race begins and ends at the Tucson J in the Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden with an out-and-back course on the Rillito River Path.
“The annual Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run is one of our favorite ways to bring the J and broader Tucson communities together to celebrate the holiday through exercise and connection,” said Mallory Shenker, the Director of Athletics + Aquatics at the Tucson J. “Whether you’re running for time, walking with family, or just coming for the cocoa and sufganiyot, this event is about showing up, having fun, and remembering we are stronger — and that like the candles on the menorah — our light burns brighter together.”
Thanks to community feedback, and with support from a variety of partners and sponsors, including this year’s presenting sponsor, TMC Health, the run has evolved over the years to become one of the largest and most anticipated events that happens at the J. Growing from 75 participants in 2016, to well over 300 in 2024, the turnout for the 2025 run is expected to be bigger than ever with nearly 150 participants already signed up. For the last two years, iHeartRadio has joined in the fun to emcee the event and provide music for the day. Also new in the last two years is the Oy Vey 5k Training Team led by coach Autumn Ball of Southwest Endurance Training (SWET). As an RRCA-certified run coach with a passion for inclusive movement, Ball believes that everyone deserves a place at the starting line — an ethos that perfectly aligns with the mission of the run.
The Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run is a true community effort — integral to the experience are the over 70 volunteers who sign up to help before and during the race to support with race packet pick-up, marking courses, serving hot cocoa and sufganiyot, and more.
As in years’ past, a highlight of the race is that top finishers receive a race mug or tumbler, depending on placement, and all participants enjoy their fill of hot chocolate and sufganiyot at the end of their run. Plus, random participants will win raffle prizes throughout the morning, including memberships to Southern Arizona Roadrunners and the J. The community can also expect a brief explanation of Hanukkah and swag bags and information from local businesses and organizations focused on wellness.
Registration is open now with price breaks until Nov. 30. Pre-race packet pick-up will be held at the J on Friday, Dec. 5, from 1-5:30 p.m. Race shirts are included in the registration for the 5k and 1-mile races, and shirts for the 1k fun run can be purchased. Race day check-in opens at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, with pre-race warm-ups and announcements starting at 7:45 a.m., and the race beginning at 8 a.m. The 1-mile starts at 8:45 a.m. and the 1k fun run begins at 9 a.m. Winners and prizes will be announced at 9:15 a.m.
Learn more and register for the event at https://bit.ly/tucsonjhhcr25
