Charlotte — RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon announce an all-new partnership with Dole Food Company. Dole will be the exclusive banana provider for the 20th anniversary running of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon on Saturday, November 16.
RunCharlotte owns and produces six of Charlotte’s most well-known running events, including the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this fall. Throughout 2024 Dole is celebrating 125 years of legacy, growth, and innovation, since it first began farming the iconic yellow fruit that runners will enjoy at this year’s events. This new partnership allows both brands to celebrate these historic milestones with the Charlotte running community.
“Runners naturally associate bananas with the finish line,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte President and Managing Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “It’s something so simple, but can you imagine an event without bananas?! We’re just so excited that Dole will be a part of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend!”
As the official banana provider, runners can expect to see Bobby Banana, Dole’s 7-foot iconic mascot and ambassador of fun, celebrating and cheering them on. Dole team members and sponsored runners will also participate to increase awareness of the power of proper nutrition, produce consumption and physical activity in improving health and wellness in line with Dole’s mission to Make the World a Healthier Place. Bananas, well documented for both race performance and post-race recovery, will be handed out to runners throughout the event.
“We are proud to sponsor the 2024 Charlotte Marathon, reflecting our strong ties to the local community,” said Xavier Roussel, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Dole. “Marathons are an achievement of body, spirit and mind and this event perfectly embodies Dole’s dedication to enhancing nutrition, health, and wellness while promoting an active lifestyle. By lending our name we are encouraging participants and the entire Charlotte community to embrace healthier living.”
About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon
RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide runners of all paces. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event, its participants, and partners have contributed nearly $500,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital. November 16, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary running of The Novant Health Registration is open for all events at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon
About Dole :
Dole is part of Dole plc, one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Dole is an industry leader in many of the products it sells, as well as in nutrition education. For more information, please visit www.dole.com.
