Bob for Apples from New York heads to TCS NYC Marathon
The New York Apple Association will again partner as this year’s official sponsor of the 53rd TCS New York City Marathon providing New York state-grown apples at the finish line, at several related events and to race volunteers. More than 50,000 people are expected to finish the 26.2 mile race.
“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,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association.
Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and nutrition spokesperson for the New York Apple and James Williams, a NY apple grower and business development manager for United Apple Sales, will join ABC7 on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a half-hour special—Countdown to the Starting Line.
The special will include pre-race highlights, inspiring stories and provide viewers with a sneak peek of the excitement leading up to the big event! The special segment featuring the New York apple industry will be covered by Springer explaining how apples are a great fruit for energy and a recharge snack after exercise.
“Apples provide carbohydrates for energy and fluid for hydration, both of which are essential for endurance exercise such as a marathon,” said Springer.
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 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.
Williams will discuss why New York apples have The Big Flavor and how growers know when to harvest a New York apple during the harvest season. New York apple production this year is around 31 million bushels of apples. New York grows more than 250 different varieties each year with around 30 specific varieties grown in larger volumes and distributed throughout the country.
Two of those varieties, SnapDragon and McIntosh, are being made available to all runners as they cross the famous Blueline, the line that signifies victory for each racer.
NYAA is sponsoring 15 runners that include New York state apple growers and members of the apple industry. One of those runners is Kaari Stannard, an apple grower and owner of Yes! Apples.
"I am so thrilled for this opportunity to run the NYC Marathon. I will be running with my daughter and husband. This is an incredible event rich in history for the NY Apple Association and all of our growers,” said Stannard.
Other growers who are also running as a family include Ely and Cameron Giroux, NY growers from Northeast and Doug Grout, immediate past chairperson of the board for the New York Apple Association, along with his brothers Derek and David Grout.
