The National Watermelon Promotion Board has its continued partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon for the 11th consecutive year.
Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the MCM was celebrated Oct. 27 and is the largest marathon worldwide without prize money, according to a news release. This year 16 pallets of fresh watermelon were enjoyed by participants and supporters from every U.S. state and numerous countries at the Finisher’s Festival, celebrating their marathon achievements, the board said.
Global vegetable seed supplier BASF/Nunhems further supported the board’s involvement, as its collaboration with the board helped ensure that the marathon’s participants maintained the same experience as in previous years, reinforcing the board’s commitment to promoting watermelon’s health benefits and versatility, according to the release.
At the Finish Festival, the National Watermelon Promotion Board team, national and state watermelon queens, and coordinators joined forces to hand out fresh watermelon slices. The board said the queens, known for their ambassadorial roles in promoting watermelon across the country, helped make the event an engaging and memorable experience for participants. The team also distributed hundreds of Tajín packets, encouraging runners and supporters to try the delicious pairing of watermelon with the popular seasoning, the release said.
The board said the long-standing partnership exemplifies its dedication to promoting watermelon not only as a delicious and hydrating fruit but also as a healthy option for people of all walks of life.
“Watermelon’s participation in the Marine Corps Marathon is a reflection of our fruit’s universal appeal,” Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications, said in the release. “We believe watermelon is for everyone, and events like this reinforce that it’s not only a people’s favorite, but also great for hydration and overall health. We’re proud to be part of this marathon year after year — it’s a tradition we love because of the shared sense of community.”
