The New York Apple Association is again the official sponsor of the 53rd TCS New York City Marathon, providing New York state-grown apples at the finish line, at several related events and to race volunteers.
“New York state apples are more than just a sentimental choice to be the ‘official apple’ of the TCS New York City Marathon; they are a logical choice as well,” Cynthia Haskins, NYAA president and CEO, said in a news release.
Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and nutrition spokesperson for the New York Apple Association, and James Williams, a N.Y. apple grower and business development manager for United Apple Sales, will join ABC7 on Sat., Nov. 2, for a half hour special — “Countdown to the Starting Line,” the release said.
The special will include pre-race highlights, inspiring stories and provide viewers with a sneak peek of the excitement leading up to the big event, the association said. The special segment featuring the New York apple industry will be covered by Springer explaining how apples are a great fruit for energy and a recharge snack after exercise.
“Apples provide carbohydrates for energy and fluid for hydration, both of which are essential for endurance exercise such as a marathon,” Springer said.
“Countdown to the Starting Line” is hosted by ABC7 news anchors Liz Cho and David Novarro and will air following “Eyewitness News” late night. The New York Apple Association is a long-running sponsor of the marathon and a sponsor of the TV coverage on Marathon Sunday. The day will be filled with exclusive interviews and marathon moments as the passion and perseverance of the runners is televised, the release said.
Williams will discuss why New York apples have “The Big Flavor” and how growers know when to harvest a New York apple during the harvest season, according to the release.
New York apple production this year is around 31 million bushels of apples, NYAA said. New York grows more than 250 different varieties each year with around 30 specific varieties grown in larger volumes and distributed throughout the country.
Two of those varieties, SnapDragon and McIntosh, are being made available to all runners as they cross the famous Blueline, the line that signifies victory for each racer, according to the release.
NYAA said it is sponsoring 15 runners that include New York state apple growers and members of the apple industry. One of those runners is Kaari Stannard, an apple grower and owner of Yes! Apples.
“I am so thrilled for this opportunity to run the NYC Marathon. I will be running with my daughter and husband. This is an incredible event rich in history for the [New York] Apple Association and all of our growers,” Stannard said.
Other growers who are also running as a family include Ely and Cameron Giroux, growers from northeast New York, and Doug Grout, immediate past chairman of the board for the New York Apple Association, along with his brothers Derek and David Grout.
