Chicago

Nov 3, 2024

🌟 2024 Details are subject to change! 🌟

America’s sweetest run is back for our most indulgent Hot Chocolate Run season yet in Chicago on November 3, 2024! With 5K, 10K, 15K and 2- Mile distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!

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award-winning swag kit

Hot Chocolate Run kits are choc-full of sweetness! An exclusive full-zip hoodie and finisher’s medal that will make you melt are included with every Hot Chocolate Run registration!

race day experience

What would a CHOCOLATE run be without the CHOCOLATE? The sweetest award awaits you at the finish line. (And no, we aren’t talking about that well-deserved medal!) Indulge in a finisher mug overflowing with chocolate fondue, dippables, and, of course, our famous HOT CHOCOLATE! Still not enough chocolate? Stop by the pre-event expo where you can warm-up your sweet tooth, check out vendors, and stock-up on Hot Chocolate merch. And for the cherry (or should we say marshmallow?) on top of this chocolate experience, join the Cocoa Club!

location & time

Grant Park
301 S Columbus Dr,
Chicago, IL 60605

5k run start time: 7:30 am

10k run start time: 7:30 am

15k run start time: 7:30 am

2-Mile walk start time: approximately 8:45 am

Gear check opens 60 mins before start time

Please note that your bib must be fully visible on the front of your torso and fully attached for you to receive an accurate time and to access your start corral.

course info

post-run party

Discover a chocolate-lover's oasis at the post-run party at Grant Park! You'll celebrate in one of Chicago’s most scenic parks with live music, vendors, and a Chocoholic finisher's mug full of fondue, dippables, and hot chocolate.

view the party

expo

Navy Pier, Festival Hall B
600 E Grand Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611

Our Hot Chocolate Expo is free and open to the public. Pick up your runner’s kit (including your race day swag and bib!), indulge in delicious CHOCOLATE, gear up on Hot Chocolate merchandise, and visit our exciting vendors!

Friday, November 3, 2023
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 4, 2023
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

If you do not choose to have your packet mailed, you must attend expo to pick up your packet.

***Click below for important Navy Pier parking info!

more info

Please read fully for all parking information for Navy Pier. Have a plan before you leave, and keep this information handy when arriving to reference secondary options!

There are two garages at Navy Pier – the West Garage and East Garage. Parking here is very limited, and will be available on a first come, first serve basis! However, we are pleased to offer a reduced rate of $10 to either of these garages (no other garages will be available for this discounted parking) for participants who park for less than 45 minutes. Participants who take advantage of this discount MUST see the Parking Validation Booth, located outside at the main entrance of the Expo in Festival Hall B for a parking validation sticker. Standard parking rates will apply past that time. For more information, please see the Routes to these garages.

Discounted parking is available at the following off-site parking garages with validation from the Navy Pier Guest Services Desk (not the Expo Hall parking booth). When parking at any of the garages listed above, pull an entry ticket upon arrival and bring the ticket to Navy Pier. Guests must request validation at the Navy Pier Guest Services Desk, located at the west main entrance of the Pier, or at the Parking Validation Booth outside of Festival Hall B, in order to redeem the discounted parking rates outlined above. Validation will not be provided at the booth in front of the Expo Hall.

Grand Plaza Park is located at 540 N. State St. Enter from Grand or Ohio Streets. Rate: $15

Millennium Park Garage is located at 5 S. Columbus Dr. Enter from Columbus Drive, north of Monroe St. or south of Randolph St., or lower Randolph St.
Rate: $13

Cityfront Place Parking Garage is located at 400 N. McClurg Ct. Enter this location at 401 N New St. To get to Navy Pier from Cityfront Place Parking Garage, walk one block north and then four blocks east on Illinois to Navy Pier.
Rate: $15

View all Navy Pier parking information.

The Hot Chocolate Run Expo kicks off the event weekend, featuring exhibitors with the latest running gear, local services, consumer products, and more. Pick up your packet and indulge in delightful chocolate sampling, fun photo ops, and much more. The expo is free for participants and open to the public.

parking

We encourage public transportation and carpooling for all participants! No parking is allowed on the course, and vehicles that do not adhere to event no parking signs will be towed. Click below to view all travel and parking recommendations:

more travel info

hotel

Find a hotel located close to the start line! Book your stay using the Hotel Planner link below to take advantage of exclusive discounted rates.

view hotels

photos & timing

Free high-res photos and your race time will be emailed to you as soon as you cross the finish line. The link below will also be updated on race day, so check back then!

photos & timing

Make It Boozy

*Exclusive to Cocoa Club Members

Cocoa Club members will receive one free Hardly H20 (spiked still water) beverage and one boozy hot chocolate in the Cocoa Club area! For the boozy hot chocolate, you can choose either a shot of chocolate or coffee liqueur from Maplewood Brewery and Distillery.

Cocoa Club members will also receive exclusive access to a heated dining area which includes a buffet breakfast with waffles, eggs, breakfast meats, coffee and juice. There will also be an entertainment viewing area, private finisher mug line (no waiting in line), and luxury bathrooms!

Already registered but not signed up for the club? Add Cocoa Club to your registration through EnMotive!

Chicago course highlights

Downtown River Walk

Grant Park

Millennium Park

Soldier Field

You’ll start and end in iconic Grant Park—with runners taking off next to The Art Institute of Chicago and the Bean, and crossing the finish line by Buckingham Fountain! You’ll see landmarks on the routes are places like Maggie Daily Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, James R. Thompson Center, Chicago City Hall, Chicago Board of Trade, McCormick Place, Solider Field, the Field Museum, and more!

view course map

DAYS TO RACE

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awards

A Hot Chocolate victory tastes so sweet! Overall and age group awards are determined as follows:

Top 3 male and female winners in the 5K, 10K and 15K:

Will be announced at the Post Race Party at the DJ Stage
Receive 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race

1st Place in each Age Group for the 5K, 10K and 15K:

Receive 100% off next year’s registration and $40 merch coupon emailed 1-2 weeks after the race
Age Groups: U14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

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