Dole’s Commitment to Supporting Marathoners Continues from Coast to Coast in November
October 14, 2026 | 2 min to read
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dole Food Company continues its support of marathoners by supporting two signature endurance events this fall – the Monterey Bay Half Marathon in California (Nov. 8), and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in North Carolina (Nov. 14) – plus the scenic Big Sur International Marathon in April 2027.
Dole will again provide its ubiquitous DOLE® Bananas to thousands of runners in November to help them refuel and recover after the race. With thousands of participants from around the globe, these events provide Dole a powerful platform to share its mission through good nutrition and community connection.
Dole has a long history on the California coast in support of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, this year donating 10,000 bananas for the event. Runners and spectators will see Dole’s presence throughout race weekend on sponsor signage, emails and the website.
A week later in November, Dole will serve as the Official Banana of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon for the third year running, reinforcing its hometown commitment to wellness and community spirit.
On Nov. 13, the day before the race, Dole will host a booth at the marathon expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Dole mascots Bobby Banana and Pinellopy Pineapple will cheer runners on and pose for photos while company representatives and volunteers will distribute 13,000 DOLEÒ Bananas in a dedicated Dole-branded tent to create a festive finish-line experience celebrating the joy of movement and good nutrition.
At the Big Sur International Marathon on April 25, 2027, Dole will provide its bananas to runners completing the course along the central California coast.
“Marathons represent everything we believe in; sharing the virtues of healthy fuel and proper wellness builds energy, endurance, and community,” said Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s Nutrition and Health Communications Manager. “Supporting runners across the country is one more way we live our mission to make healthy living fun and attainable.”
In support of the three races, Marcus has developed a Runner’s Recipes and Resources webpage featuring a Q&A, recipes and pre and post-race nutritional insights for marathoners.
“Beyond directly contributing to these long-distance endurance races which require serious commitment, Dole supports everyday fitness, nutrition and wellness for all ages and at all levels of activity,” said Marcus.
About Dole Food Company
Dole Food Company, part of Dole plc, is 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.