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 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.

“Not only have they been extremely impactful, attracting hundreds of potential consumers to our sampling teams, but the ease in which we can install them has been a great help...”

- B. Gerety, Veryfine Products, Inc.

“We wanted to convey our 'money-saving' message; what better way than a 14-foot-tall inflatable booth with money flying around in it?”

- B. Hoffman, Hydra-Flex

"Just wanted to say how much we LOVE our inflatables.  We tested them in our lobby where they were, of course, an instant hit for school group photos. Our leadership was quite pleased with the durability and the realism."

- Mike Hennessy, Carnegie Science Center

"Landmark created two inflatable Truman the Tigers for us, and they were incredibly easy to work with, as well as very affordable."

- Michelle Froese, Missouri University

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked.  We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes