FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - If there’s one thing Chiquita is known for (aside from bananas) it’s supporting athletes across the country through various initiatives. Most recently, the company helped a track and field coach break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for the fastest half-marathon, sporting a human-sized banana suit of course. In its latest initiative, Chiquita is once again supporting runners, this time embarking on a first-ever partnership with the healthy way of life brand, Life Time, to sponsor the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon.

“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 and Half Marathon for the first time to fuel its runners and celebrate their accomplishments as they cross the finish line.”

Near Chiquita’s North America headquarters, the brand will be supporting this local event by fueling athletes with its delicious 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 this year, and we are excited to have them on-board and also cheering on our runners throughout race day.”

According to a press release, Chiquita bananas will be available for marathon participants from the starting line, through the Port of Miami and South Beach grand finish line. Once runners have enjoyed their energizing snack, they’re 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.”

In addition to promoting healthy snacking and sustainability at the race, Chiquita is also proud to be supporting one of its own employees participating in the race. Frederick Cheng, Senior Administrative Manager, will be representing the brand as he tackles the more than 13-mile-long course.

“I’m extremely thankful to be working for a brand that is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle, while encouraging its employees to get involved in its fitness initiatives,” said Cheng. “Both the support from the Chiquita team and the nutrients from our delicious, yellow bananas will be pushing me to accomplish my goal of completing the half-marathon.”

Chiquita is also encouraging Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon attendees to stop by its tent to say hello, cheer on runners, and even participate in pre- and post-run stretches with the iconic Bananaman.

If you’ve ever had the dream to run a marathon dressed as a banana, here’s your chance! Even if that’s not the case, be sure to pick up a healthy bunch of bananas ahead of your next big race.

Chiquita