Esprit de Corps Hot Cocoa Run

Wells Fargo is sponsoring our team entry fees for this race. We don't just take sponsorship and move on - when a sponsor shows up for us, we show up back. That's how community actually works.

In return, Wells Fargo would love to invite interested runners to a short post-race info session on home-buying opportunities, loans, and veteran-friendly lending programs (date TBD, totally optional). The session is open to everyone - military-connected or not. Check the box on the form if that's something you'd want to attend.

It's a chance to support a sponsor that's supporting you - and maybe pick up some useful info about a big life decision at the same time.

Every spot on the EDC roster comes with:

• Race official full-zip fleece
• Finisher's medal
• Chocoholic finisher's mug - Ghirardelli chocolate fondue, dippables, Ghirardelli hot cocoa, Ghirardelli SQUARES
• Chip-timed bib with age-group award eligibility
• Free race photos
• Access to the post-race party at Grant Park - live music + vendors
• EDC team meetup at the start line

Start + end in Grant Park - take off next to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Bean, finish by Buckingham Fountain.

Along the way you'll run past:

• Chicago Downtown Riverwalk
• Maggie Daley Park
• Jay Pritzker Pavilion (Millennium Park)
• James R. Thompson Center
• Chicago City Hall
• Chicago Board of Trade
• McCormick Place
• Soldier Field
• The Field Museum

The sweetest reward in Chicago running. Cross the line into:

• A Ghirardelli chocolate fondue mug with dippables
• Rich, creamy Ghirardelli hot cocoa
• A Ghirardelli SQUARES chocolate
• The Post-Race Party at Grant Park - live music + vendors

Gear check opens 60 minutes before start time. Bib must be fully visible on the front of your torso to receive an accurate time and access your start corral.

McCormick Place West - 2317 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

• Friday, October 30 - 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 31 - 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Pick up your bib + race shirt before Sunday morning. The expo is free and open to the public - merch, Ghirardelli hot cocoa, vendors.

No swapping of goodie-bag sizes at the expo or on race day.

No parking on the course - vehicles on event no-parking signs will be towed. We encourage public transit + carpooling.

Millennium Garages is the exclusive parking partner - Grant Park North Garage recommended, be parked by 6:00 AM. Access from Michigan Ave stays open.

Lyft drop-off at Ida B. Wells & Wabash. No drop-off on Michigan Ave or Lake Shore Drive (road closures).

CTA - best way to get to Grant Park. $5 round trip, tap-to-pay on all trains and buses.

Metra - Grant Park is a short walk from Van Buren Street (Metra Electric) or 20 min from Union Station (BNSF, Milwaukee District West + North). Early Sunday service available. Sunday Day Pass is $7 unlimited.

Overall awards - top 3 men and top 3 women across the 5K, 10K, and 15K. Winners announced at the post-race party at the DJ stage.

• 1st place: $250 + free registration next year + exclusive onsite award + Ghirardelli surprise + $100 Hurt Skurt gift card
• 2nd place: $150 + free registration next year + exclusive onsite award + Ghirardelli surprise
• 3rd place: $100 + free registration next year + exclusive onsite award + Ghirardelli surprise

Age-group awards - top 3 men and top 3 women in your age range across each distance. You compete against runners in your age group, so a 55-year-old is scored against other 55-year-olds (not against a 25-year-old). The race divides runners into standard 5-year age ranges from under-14 all the way up to 80 and over.

• 1st place: free registration next year + exclusive patch
• 2nd place: 75% off registration next year + exclusive patch
• 3rd place: 50% off registration next year + exclusive patch

The race offers a Ghirardelli Cocoa Club upgrade (self-paid add-on, not covered by EDC). If you want it, add it when you sign up through the official Skechers link we send you.

Perks

• Large Ghirardelli Cocoa Club canvas tote with single-serve take-home cocoa
• $35 store credit for Hot Chocolate Run merch
• VIP preferred corral placement
• Access to the Cocoa Club area before and after the event
• Upgraded onsite experience - hot breakfast, heaters, dedicated restrooms, Ghirardelli hot cocoa, extra dippables

How does the Esprit team work? Sign up here. We add you to our roster, then Becca emails you the official Skechers link so you can lock in your spot. The first 45 on our roster have their race fee covered.

Do I pay anything? No - EDC covers the race fee for all 45 roster spots (sponsored by Wells Fargo). There is nothing out of pocket for you.

Who qualifies for the covered spots? 35 are reserved for military-affiliated participants (veteran, Guard/Reserve, active duty, military spouse, child/dependent). 10 are for ally supporters. Pick your affiliation in the form.

What are the distances in miles? - 5K = 3.1 miles - 10K = 6.2 miles - 15K = 9.3 miles - 2-mile walk = 2 miles (hence the name)

What distance should I pick? 2-mile walk is open to all ages. 5K needs 8+, 10K needs 10+, 15K needs 12+. 5K/10K/15K require a 15-minute-per-mile minimum pace.

What time does the race start? 7:30 AM for 5K / 10K / 15K - ~9:15 AM for the 2-mile walk. Gear check opens 60 min before start time.

What's this Wells Fargo info session about? Wells Fargo is covering our team entry fees. In return they'd love to invite interested runners to a short post-race info session on home-buying, loans, and veteran-friendly lending programs. Totally optional - check the box on the form if that's useful to you.

Why can't EDC register me directly? The race requires each participant to sign their own liability waiver and provide their own emergency-contact info. That has to come from the official Skechers registration page - privacy + safety.

When does the official registration link come? Within 24 hours of filling out this form. Watch for an email from becca@espritdcf.org.

What if I can't make it after I sign up? Email becca@espritdcf.org as soon as you know - we'll give your spot to the next person on our list.