Local Hive to hand out 20,000 honey packets at NYC Marathon Expo

Local Hive will give away 20,000 complimentary single-serve honey packets at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo from Oct. 29-31 at the Javits Convention Center. The move puts the brand in front of runners looking for portable fuel ahead of the Nov. 1 race across New York City’s five boroughs.

Why it matters: - Local Hive is positioning honey as a clean, portable fuel option for marathon runners looking for alternatives to artificial gels. - The giveaway puts the brand directly in front of a large endurance-sports audience during one of New York City’s biggest race-weekend events.

What happened: - Local Hive will distribute 20,000 complimentary packets of its 100% U.S. Raw & Unfiltered Honey at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo from Oct. 29-31. - Runners can pick up the packets at booth #624 at the Javits Convention Center on 11th Avenue between West 35th and West 36th Streets. - The TCS New York City Marathon is scheduled for Nov. 1 and will send thousands of runners across New York City’s five boroughs.

The details: - Each single-serve packet contains only raw honey. - Local Hive says the packets provide quick-absorbing natural carbohydrates for a clean energy boost. - The packets contain no caffeine, preservatives or refined sugars. - Local Hive is also running an out-of-home campaign in New York City with messages including “Run on Honey,” “Runner’s High Starts with a Buzz,” “Make a Beeline for the Finish Line,” “Hive from New York” and “Honey with a Local Accent.” - Cale Nelson, Local Hive’s chief commercial officer, said the brand sees the Honey Packets as “Mother Nature’s energy gel.” - Local Hive has sourced honey exclusively from American beekeepers for more than a century. - The company’s lineup includes more than 20 single-varietal and regional blends, including a Northeast Honey Blend. - Local Hive’s Northeast Honey Blend is sold at many New York-area retailers, including Whole Foods Market. - Local Hive’s Honey Packets are sold on Amazon. - The brand says it is the No. 1 honey brand in natural food stores and No. 2 in MULO, based on SPINS’ latest 52 weeks ending July 12, 2026. - Recent product additions include Honey Hot Sauces and Hot Honey. - More information is available at LocalHiveHoney.com.

Between the lines: - The campaign mixes product sampling with city-specific advertising to connect the honey brand to endurance, local pride and race-weekend visibility. - The emphasis on simple ingredients and natural carbohydrates fits a broader consumer push toward cleaner sports nutrition.

What's next: - Local Hive’s New York push continues through marathon weekend, with expo sampling and citywide ads aimed at runners and spectators. - The brand is likely using the event to build awareness for its honey packets and related honey products before and after race day.

The bottom line: - Local Hive is using the NYC Marathon to market honey as a no-frills fuel source for runners and to expand its presence in a highly visible sports moment.