TrendPulse|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 TrendPulseUSA 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

Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister BandagesSave your feet with this 12-pack of blister bandages. Buy now at Amazonadidas Women's Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running ShoeThese top-selling adidas running sneakers will help keep you going on race day. Buy now at AmazonSlim Running Belt Fanny PackGet this super handy waist pack to hold your phone and keys during your Hot Chocolate Run. Buy now at AmazonFitbit Charge 4Track your activity during your next run and beyond with a top-rated Fitbit. Buy now at AmazonPilamor Sports Headbands (5-Pack)Keep your hair out of the way during your upcoming Hot Chocolate Run. Buy now at AmazonApple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-CKeep your tunes going throughout your Hot Chocolate Run! Buy now at AmazonOwala 24-Ounce Stainless Steel FreeSipGet this best-selling stainless steel Owala bottle to help keep you hydrated for race day. Buy now at AmazonThe Gym People Thick High Waist Leggings With PocketsThese best-selling leggings will take you from the race course to the couch in style. Buy now at AmazonGeneral Medi Mini First Aid Kit, 110-PieceBring this mini first aid kid with you to race day in case of any unexpected emergency! Buy now at AmazonSabani Portable Power Bank with 4 Built-In CablesSave 61% on this top-selling portable charger and stay powered up at the fall Wine and Food festival. Buy now at Amazon

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