The day before a marathon with thousands of registered runners, you could expect quite a scene at race registration, with sponsors from fitness trackers to shoe brands showing off their latest wares.
But among the nutrition products typically associated with long-distance running, chips and guacamole would seem a bit out of place. That is, until you see the endless line outside the San Francisco Marathon Expo, at a colorful bus marked, "Guaclandia."
"We're here at the San Francisco Marathon Expo because it's a perfect fit — you know, people who like avocados are into health and wellness and nutrition, and things like that," said Wholly Guacamole brand manager Diana Pusiri.
Guaclandia is what Pusiri calls an "Instagram-ready" ode to the avocado — with places aboard the bus to take selfies in a giant avocado chair, in front of a Warhol-style avocado painting, and while trying to win big at an old-fashioned arcade "claw machine," fishing for prizes amid plastic avocados. Outside, there are avocado-themed games and puzzles, and a tent with a seemingly endless supply of free chips and guacamole.
Guaclandia will be popping up at other major events — first, the International Surf Festival in Manhattan Beach, then to Seattle for the Kirkland Summer Festival before heading east to spread its spreadable goodness to Chicago. Its sponsors say San Francisco was the logical place to start because of the city's undeniable love for avocados. Watch the video above to see it in action!
