For the first time ever, Chiquita teamed up with healthy way of life brand, Life Time, as the official sponsor of the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon. Near Chiquita’s North America headquarters, the brand supported this local event by fueling athletes with its Chiquita bananas throughout their course journey, as well as participating in the race and cheering on runners at a Chiquita tent on site.
“Bananas have long been known of as a healthy and nutritious post-race snack and we are delighted to partner with such an iconic brand to keep runners fueled with the healthy sugars and energy boosting nutrients they need,” said Frankie Ruiz, chief running officer at Life Time. “Chiquita’s devotion to the planet through its new composting partnership with Miami Dade College aligns so well with our increased green initiatives.”
Bananas are a popular source of energy for runners and were available for marathon participants from the starting line, through the Port of Miami and South Beach grand finish line. Runners were encouraged to support Chiquita’s sustainability initiatives by recycling the banana peel in one of several Chiquita recycling bins. The brand has joined forces with the local Miami Dade College’s composting program to repurpose these banana peels as soil for garden projects around the city.
“Miami Dade College is happy to be teaming up with Chiquita to find a meaningful purpose for the marathon runner’s discarded banana peels,” said professor Theresa Chormanski of the College’s Landscape Technology Program. “Chiquita’s commitment to sustainability and recycling aligns perfectly with our composting efforts throughout Miami. Corporations setting an example for sustainability strongly encourages everyday citizens to do the same in their homes.”
“Chiquita bananas contain essential nutrients that not only help boost a runner’s energy before a race, but also helps the body repair itself after a strenuous run or workout,” said Jamie Postell, director of sales North America for Chiquita. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with our neighbors at the Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon for the first time to fuel its runners and celebrate their accomplishments as they cross the finish line.”
In addition to promoting healthy snacking and sustainability at the race, Chiquita was supporting one of its own employees participating in the race. Frederick Cheng, senior administrative manager, represented the brand as he tackled the more than 13-mile-long course.
