NWPB and BASF | Nunhems team up to provide refreshing watermelon at the Marine Corps Marathon, reinforcing the fruit’s role in hydration and community tradition.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has renewed its collaboration with the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) for the 11th year in a row.

Held annually on the last Sunday of October, the marathon, known as “The People’s Marathon,” distinguishes itself as the largest in the world without prize money, focusing instead on fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among runners and supporters.

As part of the celebration, participants enjoyed fresh watermelon, with 16 pallets distributed at the Finisher’s Festival, marking the culmination of the race that draws athletes from all 50 states and several countries.

The NWPB’s involvement, which highlights the organization’s commitment to promoting the health benefits of watermelon, was further strengthened this year through a partnership with BASF | Nunhems, a prominent global supplier of vegetable seeds. Together, they ensured that participants experienced the same high-quality refreshments that have become a hallmark of the marathon over the years.

In line with the tradition, the NWPB team was joined by state and national watermelon queens, known for their ambassadorial work in promoting watermelon across the United States.

Images: Courtesy of NWPB

These queens played an active role at the Finisher’s Festival, handing out watermelon slices and engaging with participants to make the event both memorable and interactive. The team also distributed packets of Tajín® seasoning, encouraging runners to enhance their watermelon slices with this popular flavor combination, which has become a fan favorite at the event.

As expressed by one enthusiastic participant, “Every year, I look forward to the fresh watermelon at the finish line. It’s the perfect post-run snack—hydrating, refreshing, and just what I need after this run. It’s the only thing getting me home!”

According to a press release from the NWPB, the organization views the marathon as an ideal opportunity to emphasize watermelon’s versatility as both a refreshing treat and a healthy hydration option.

Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications for the NWPB, underscored the importance of this ongoing sponsorship.

“Watermelon’s participation in the Marine Corps Marathon is a reflection of our fruit’s universal appeal. We believe watermelon is for everyone, and events like this reinforce that it’s not only a people’s favorite, but also great for hydration and overall health. We’re proud to be part of this marathon year after year—it’s a tradition we love because of the shared sense of community,”

The long-standing partnership between the NWPB and the MCM exemplifies the board’s mission to promote watermelon beyond just a fruit but as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. With its continuous involvement, the NWPB ensures that marathon participants leave the event with not only fond memories but also with a greater appreciation for watermelon’s role in hydration and recovery.

For further inquiries regarding the NWPB’s participation in the Marine Corps Marathon, Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications, can be reached at sbarlow@watermelon.org.