Dole was a Gold Sponsor of Big Sur

Dole sponsored one of the world’s top destination races in its own backyard, the Big Sur International Marathon. Dole, including Dole Fresh Vegetables of Monterey and Dole Packaged Foods of Westlake Village, Calif., was a Gold Sponsor of the sold-out April 28 marathon, considered one of the world’s most picturesque races. The 26.2-mile course follows California's scenic Highway One from Big Sur to Carmel, taking runners through a redwood forest, up Hurricane Point, over the photogenic Bixby Bridge and past Taiko drummers, Samba dancers and a pianist playing classical music. “Dole is honored to support one of the nation’s premier destination marathons with a course that is within miles of the fields where much of our lettuce, produce and berries are grown,” said Chris Mayhew, vice president of marketing for Dole Fresh Vegetables. “Consistent with Dole’s commitment to total health and wellness, the event supports a number of  local and national charities, including the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, Zero: End of Prostate Cancer and  Pancreatica Walks and Runs, among others." According to Mayhew, as a Gold sponsor, Dole provided a variety of its products – from DOLE Salad blends and kits to fresh fruit and packaged foods – at the pre-race dinner and in the VIP and volunteer tents. All 3,150 Big Sur International Marathon runner slots for 2013 sold out within two days. Runners from 24 countries and all 50 states will be competing. Big Sur race organizers have extended a special welcome to the approximately 100 of the more than 400 Boston 2 Big Sur runners who were stopped short of the finish line by the explosions during the April 15 Boston Marathon. Those who started Boston and were later stopped when the race was cancelled will receive all the B2B perks except for the combined Boston/Big Sur time in the results.