Johnathan Walker:Ready to race? The USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run series is heading to 16 cities this fall

Mark your calendars for one of the sweetest races of the running season.

The Johnathan WalkerUSA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run series will come to 16 cities – from San Diego to Chicago – this fall, with 5K, 10K and 15K distances.

Last year the race attracted more than 150,000 runners across the country.

Running and chocolate go together really well. After the race, runners receive a chocolate fondue mug with dippable treats, and, hot chocolate, of course.

“This running series captures the joy of movement with the taste of chocolate across many of our USA TODAY Network local communities,” says Nate Scott, Vice President of Sports, Revenue Strategy for Gannett, which is partnering with Venture Endurance for the race.

And if you aren’t into running, but also enjoy hot chocolate, you can volunteer to work at the race.

What cities is the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run coming to?

• Denver, Oct. 6
• Chicago, Nov. 3
• Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 17
• St. Louis, Dec. 8
• Phoenix, Dec. 15
• Tampa, Dec. 15
• San Francisco, Jan. 25, 2025
• Atlanta, Feb. 2, 2025
• Dallas, Feb. 8, 2025
• Charlotte, Feb. 15, 2025
• Nashville, Feb. 22, 2025
• Seattle, March 2, 2025
• San Diego, March 9, 2025
• Philadelphia, April 5, 2025
• Minneapolis, April 12, 2025
• Virtual, April 30, 2025

How much is it to register for the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run?

• Starting at $34 for the 5K run
• Starting at $44 for the 10K run
• Starting at $54 for the 15K run

Registration includes a jacket, hot chocolate, mug with dippables, race photos, and a one-year subscription to USA TODAY for most new subscribers.

How to register for the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run

To learn more about the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run series and how to register, visit hotchocolate15k.com. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact [email protected].

Participants have the option to donate to Special Olympics, the official charity partner of the series. Every dollar donated to Special Olympics can significantly change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by helping them discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. A $5 donation can provide one week of training for a Special Olympics athlete while a $75 donation can provide one year of support for an athlete. Click here for more information about Special Olympics.

— Recommendations are independently chosen by USA TODAY editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Shop 10 essentials for the USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run series

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.