Skip to main content

“Chocolate” Inflatable Archway Gives Runners Something to Dream About

Inflatable Chocoholic Frolic ArchwayInflatable Arch Reinforces a Clever Brand Strategy

Why do people run? Common reasons for this type of exercise include health and fitness benefits, to boost energy levels, to relieve stress and – yes – so people can eat more of the foods they love without feeling guilty.

Final Stretch, an endurance sports company that puts on road races, triathlons and marathons throughout the Midwest, came up with a very clever twist on your typical race. Make chocolate the focus.

During the Chocoholic Frolic 5k/10k in St. Paul, Minnesota, runners were blessed with hot chocolate, chocolate fountains and chocolate candies, instead of sports drinks, fruit and energy bars. What else did they find? A chocolate-flanked, inflatable archway at the finish line.

According to Curt Van Asten, Course and Logistics Manager, “We wanted to bring fun and branding to the race. We tried to create what we felt a chocolate wonderland would be like if you were running through it and what better way to finish than through a giant inflatable arch held down by 8-foot chocolate bars!?”

When your goal is to get exposure and create buzz, this pretty much does the trick. “We saw tons of our participants return back to the finish line just to get their pictures taken with the arch in the background. It was great exposure for the race as well as an unexpected course detail for most of the runners.”


View More "Sports Industry Inflatables" Articles

Giant Inflatable Arch Gets Cross-Country Team to the Finish Line
Giant Custom Inflatable Boosts Brand Awareness at Sporting Events
Custom Inflatable Arch Gives Canadian Triathlon a Truly Dramatic Finish
Custom Inflatable Shotgun Shell Hits the Target at Sporting Clays Championship

What Others Say About Landmark Creations


“[The inflatable arch] created a wonderful backdrop to brand our events, capture our sponsors in the photos used by the participants, and made it easy to travel down the coast of California without taking up too much space on our trucks.”

- Amy Daugherty, California Coast Classic

"I was especially impressed with your ability to turn around such excellent work on very short notice, and at a fair price."

- R. Stever-Zeitlin, General Mills

"The inflatable arch allows for safe and easy setup and takedown. People have raved about the arch and have made requests to have it at their events."

- Karen Klevesahl, SMET Construction

"[Our inflatable tunnel has] increased players & parents enthusiasm and recognition in the league for having a good program."

- W. Forrestal, Apex Sports Authority

"The Adventure Colon is so rewarding for our organization. Everyone that walks through it is just in awe and learn so much when we guide them through it."

- Oneyda Cuevas, Hope Through Grace, Inc.

"Landmark worked with us to make sure our client was satisfied with the product. They provided great customer service and got us answers when we needed them."

- April Lo, SKA Events