# Marathon-Backing Smoothie Brands Smoothie King is a Major Sponsor for Two Marathon Events By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-11-05 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoothie-king1 References: [nycforfree.co](https://www.nycforfree.co/events/smoothie-king-medal-monday)  For the first time, [Smoothie King](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/run-thru-concept) is acting as an official sponsor for two [major marathon events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marathon-series) in Chicago and New York — the Chicago Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon. As part of its role, the brand's activation strategy involves distributing its signature [Gouda Nut Medley snack](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hackney-half-marathon) to runners at a designated point along each race course. For spectators, the company will provide 'Cheer Cards' at its local retail outlets to help them support participants. Smoothie King is also running a 'Medal Monday' offer, offer, which provides a free food item to any individual who presents a race completion medal at any of its locations on the Monday following each event. For the marathon participants, the provision of Smoothie King's energy-dense snack at a critical stage in the race offers a reliable and convenient fuel source. Image Credit: Smoothie King ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 54% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Event-based Sponsorships:** Brands are increasingly aligning with large-scale events such as marathons to enhance visibility and engagement by offering experiential marketing opportunities. - **Performance Nutrition Products:** The integration of energy-dense snacks in sports events represents a growing market for functional nutrition that aids athletes' performance and recovery. - **Retail-powered Support Initiatives:** Retail outlets are becoming active participants in community events by providing patrons with tools and incentives to support event attendees, enriching customer loyalty. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Nutrition:** The sports nutrition industry is expanding as brands like Smoothie King innovate with new products specifically designed to meet the needs of endurance athletes. - **Experiential Marketing:** Experiential marketing is transforming as companies sponsor events to create memorable brand interactions that resonate with consumers. - **Retail Services:** Retailers are evolving by incorporating event-centric promotions and support services, enhancing community engagement and store traffic. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Complimentary Coffee Smoothie Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoothie-king-stars-for-smoothies.md) - [Audio Brand-Sponsored Marathons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-york-city-marathon.md) - [Run-Up Pickup Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/run-thru-concept.md) - [Romantic Winter Smoothie Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoothie-king-smoothies-for-two.md) - [Back-to-School Smoothie Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoothie-king-promotion.md) - [Hydrating Summer Smoothies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revitalizing-smoothies.md) - [Health-Affirming Smoothie Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resolution-menu.md) - [Energetic Gel Drink Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/june-athletic-race.md) - [Smoothie Brand Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoothie-kings-new-food-menu.md)