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.

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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 store.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 5^th 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.

ABOUT USA TODAY NETWORK VENTURES

USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, our events and promotions business, diversifies the Company's media offerings by connecting communities through impactful experiences. In 2024, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures hosted a variety of in-person and virtual events, attracting over 430,000 attendees. Our portfolio includes home and garden shows, food and wine festivals, high school sports recognition programs, including the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, and major endurance events including the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run Series, RAGBRAI, Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon.

ABOUT GANNETT

Gannett Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

ABOUT GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY

Ghirardelli is passionate about quality bean to bar chocolate and all the ways its fans enjoy it. Founded in San Francisco in 1852, the company takes pride in producing premium chocolate and baking products with the highest quality ingredients. As the longest continually operating chocolatier in America, Ghirardelli has delighted consumers with new chocolate experiences for nearly two centuries. Ghirardelli is proud of our chocolate manufacturing process, from cocoa bean sourcing and production to finished product. Every Ghirardelli chocolate creation is an occasion to experience something surprising and delicious. Ghirardelli makes life A Bite Better ™! For more information, visit https://www.ghirardelli.com/about-ghirardelli.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Heather Gidaly

Chief of Staff, Corporate Communications

hgidaly@gannett.com

Ethan Pflumm

Communications Manager

epflumm@gannett.com

SKECHERS Hot Chocolate Run Series to Feature Ghirardelli Cocoa Club