May 7, 2018

Rainier Fruit took 100,000 apples to the Boston Marathon

Rainier Fruit offered nearly 100,000 apples to runners, guests, and fans in the days surrounding the 122^nd Boston Marathon.

As a sponsor of the event, Rainier is the Official Apple of the Boston Marathon, according to a news release.

“There’s nothing quite like the Boston Marathon,” remarked Andy Tudor, VP of Business Development at Rainier Fruit, “Even in an epic downpour, the city still comes alive with energy surrounding the marathon. People gear up, and come out to support the runners—spending hours outside to cheer for strangers. It’s a really wonderful demonstration of community and we’re happy to play a part in it.”

Runners and spectators wore shower caps, plastic bags tied around shoes to create makeshift galoshes, and multiple layers of clothing.

Rainier Fruit had tents at the finish line in downtown Boston, as well as at the Newton Fire Station located just past mile seventeen before the famed Heartbreak Hill. The team distributed apples, T-shirts and towels emblazoned with Rainier’s “Wholesome to the Core” message.

For the second year in a row, Rainier Fruit partnered with Whole Foods Boston to support One Boston Day. Through an in-store ad and matching fund on purchased apples, Rainier helped raised over $4,000 for the Last Call Foundation of Boston which works to advance and promote the access to fire safety training and equipment to better prepare firefighters in the line of duty. In addition to the Whole Foods partnership, Rainier also partnered with the Newton Firefighter’s Children’s Fund to help raise funds to support children of fallen firefighters.

As part of their marathon activation, Rainier Fruit also works with athletes throughout the throughout the industry and beyond to identify runners looking to participate in the Boston Marathon. This year, the Rainier team included 6 runners, plus a partnership with the Newton Fire Department Children’s Fund which included another 10 runners. Rainier is proud to report that all of their team runners finished the race in great condition.

“Finding the strength to push through this year’s challenging weather is not only impressive; it’s what we mean when we say ‘Wholesome to the Core’.” Tudor explains, “At Rainier Fruit we want to support people as they cultivate the best in themselves, pushing harder and overcoming obstacles. It’s pretty amazing what the human spirit can accomplish and farming has given us great appreciation for the often herculean tasks of forging ahead when Mother Nature is unkind.”

Rainier Fruit is a multi-generation fruit company based in Selah, Washington.