Dole Food Co. will hit the ground running, literally, for its 125th Banana-Versary, literally this fall. The company says it wants to recruit 125 runners to participate in one of three events at the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon — the 5K, half-marathon or full marathon — on Nov. 16.
The company said this is part of its year-long celebration of 125 years in the banana business. Dole’s corporate offices are in uptown Charlotte, N.C., and it partnered with Run Charlotte in July to become the official banana of the Charlotte Marathon, celebrating the milestone and offering post-race recovery benefits, according to a news release.
“This year, in honor of our 125th Banana-Versary, we’re excited at the prospect of seeing 125 bananaenthusiasts out on the course spreading the fruit’s remarkable health and wellness message — as well as many more cheering from the sidelines. It’s the perfect culmination of our year-long Dole bananas birthday party,” said William Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications.
In addition to covering race fees for the Charlotte Marathon, half-marathon or Chick-fil-A 5K, Dole said the 125 runners will wear an official DoleRuns Charlotte Marathon run shirt. The company also plans to host a Dole Going All Bananas recovery tent on race day. It will also offer Dole recipes, training tips and other pre-race resources compiled by Melanie Marcus — a registered dietitian and Dole’s nutrition, wellness and communications manager — on the DoleRuns webpage.
Dole’s free race packages will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 125 runners who register at a special Charlotte Marathon registration site for Dole runners, according to the release.
Dole and its ambassador, Bobby Banana, will hand out Dole bananas to all finishers on race day and it also plans a Dole Banana Bunch cheering section to encourage runners on race day.
“Dole’s partnership with the Charlotte Marathon simply reinforces what marathoners and other runners everywhere have known for years: Bananas are nature’s perfect pre-, during- and post-race recovery food,” Goldfield said. “In addition to fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and a range of antioxidants, bananas are rich in carbohydrates and a high-energy source that aids in both athletic performance and muscle recovery.”
Dole said its Banana-Versary continues through 2024 with in-store messaging, contests, partnerships, recipes and more. It also hosts a “125 Wasy to Be Bananas” web and social media series featuring banana hacks, tips and recipes, digital downloads and more.
