New York Apple Association sponsoring New York City Marathon
The New York Apple Association will again be this year’s official sponsor of the 53rd TCS New York City Marathon.
The group will provide New York state-grown apples at the finish line, at several related events and to race volunteers, according to a news release. More than 50,000 people from across the state, the country and 131 countries are expected to finish the 26.2-mile races, the release said.
Bob for Apples from New York, the association’s newest spokesperson — or spokespuppet, — will join in on the activities and festivities, the release said. The quirky, green-skinned character was created for NYAA News, a virtual New York apple news station that appears on social media and digital platforms.
“I am headed to New York City riding shotgun with a load of New York apples that will be placed into the marathon runner’s recovery bags. New York apples are the perfect recharge fruit, and I am elated to be a part of this great event,” Bob is quoted as saying in a social media post.
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, the release said. Apples provide carbohydrates combined with fiber for energy and fluid for hydration, both of which are important for endurance exercise such as a marathon.
Bob will join ABC7 on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a half-hour special, "Countdown to the Starting Line," the release said. The special will include pre-race highlights, inspiring stories and provide views with a sneak peek of the excitement leading up to the big event, according to the release.
A special segment featuring the New York apple industry will be covered with Bob serving as a guest on the show.
"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 release said. 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.
NYAA is sponsoring 15 runners, including New York state apple growers and members of the apple industry, the release said. One of those runners is Doug Grout, the New York Apple Association's board chairman, an apple grower and owner of Golden Harvest Farms. He will be running alongside his brothers, David Grout and Derek Grout.
“In 2019, I ran my first New York City Marathon with my brothers and our mother, Jayne. Since then, the race has become a cherished annual family tradition among tens of thousands of friendly supporters,” Doug Grout said in the release. “Training for the marathon brings our family together year-round, sharing workouts on the dirt roads, the Empire State Trail, and around our apple orchard. The race itself is a fever dream, a long wild parade of faces, signs, music and cityscapes! It is an honor to be part of the New York apple running team.”
