Aldi Scotland is claiming that a simple supermarket staple could help fuel runners through one of the country’s toughest endurance challenges, as excitement builds for the return of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.
With just over a week to go until Scotland’s largest marathon event, the retailer has teamed up with Edinburgh Running Network to inspire runners in a very unusual way, turning the streets of the capital into a giant carrot-shaped running route using Strava. The playful campaign is designed to spotlight the benefits of the humble vegetable as a natural training fuel.
Fronted by its iconic mascot, Kevin the Carrot, Aldi is promoting the unexpected benefits of carrots for runners preparing to go the distance.
While high-performance gels and protein bars often dominate marathon training plans, Aldi Scotland is championing a more natural option, highlighting its Scottish-grown supply chain and the farmers behind it.
The retailer sources its carrots from Benzies, a fourth-generation family-run farm in Aberdeenshire operated by Philip Benzie alongside his wife Hazel and stepson Charles.
Philip Benzie, owner, Benzies, said: “Carrots might not be the first things runners reach for, but they offer a surprising mix of benefits.
“They provide a gentle, steady source of energy thanks to natural sugars, while their high water content helps support hydration. They also contain potassium for muscle function and beta-carotene, which supports recovery and immune health, which are all important for anyone training consistently.”
Producing between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of Scottish carrots every year, Benzies also noted that carrots are easy to digest, particularly when cooked, making them a practical option for pre and post run meals, or as a light snack during busy training days.
Lynne Cowden, coach co-ordinator and run leader, Edinburgh Running Network, said: “We loved the idea of turning Edinburgh’s streets into something a bit more playful in the run-up to the marathon.
“The carrot Strava art was a fun challenge for our community and a great way to keep motivation high as race day approaches.”
Benzies’ range of carrots is available across Aldi’s 113 Scottish stores.
You can find your nearest Aldi here.
