SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run Series to Feature Ghirardelli Cocoa Club
America’s Sweetest Run returns with the iconic confectioner as the Naming Sponsor of Cocoa Club
Ventures Endurance, part of Gannett’s (NYSE: GCI) USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, today announced Ghirardelli Chocolate Company as the naming sponsor for the 2025-2026 SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run’s Cocoa Club.
The Ghirardelli Cocoa Club is a VIP experience featuring tastes of the brand’s recently re-launched Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix, which is made with premium ingredients and boasts a richer flavor and creamier texture in convenient single-serve packets.
Additionally, Ghirardelli Cocoa Club participants will enjoy the following exclusive perks:
- Exclusive Ghirardelli Cocoa Club tote bag stocked with take-home single-serve Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa packets.
- $35 Merch Gift Card to use onsite or online at venturesendurance.com.
- VIP Preferred Corral Placement for a smoother start line experience.
- Access to the upgraded Ghirardelli Cocoa Club area before and after the event—complete with a hot breakfast item, heaters (if needed), dedicated restrooms, sponsor samples, extra dippables and rich Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa.
“We’re thrilled to have Ghirardelli Chocolate Company as a naming sponsor for the race’s VIP Cocoa Club experience,” said Nate Scott, Vice President, General Manager of Sports & Events, Gannett | USA TODAY Network. “Joining us on the heels of the brand’s relaunched Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix, we look forward to providing Ghirardelli Cocoa Club guests with unique perks exclusive to the VIP Cocoa Club experience.”
Kicking off October 5th in Denver, CO and ending in Philadelphia on April 4, 2026, the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run will visit 17 cities throughout the country. With 5K, 10K, 15K and 10 Mile distances and a virtual race option all season long, there’s something for every sweet-toothed runner. Registration for the Ghirardelli Cocoa Club is $60 and spots are limited.
“Hot Cocoa was one of Ghirardelli’s first products in the 1850s when the company was established,” said Bobby Oliver, Vice President of Marketing at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. “Today, our Hot Cocoa Mix continues to be one of our most beloved products, and it just got better: richer flavor, creamier texture and in convenient single packets. We are excited to partner with the Hot Chocolate Run to give our Ghirardelli Cocoa Club guests a taste of our delicious hot cocoa and make their race A Bite Better ™”.
If you have not registered yet, simply add the Ghirardelli Cocoa Club to your race registration or, if you’ve already signed up, simply log into your EnMotive account to upgrade. To learn more about the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run series and how to register, visit hotchocolate15k.com.