If you’ve ever been tempted to run through a drive-thru, American restaurant chain Smoothie King is making that dream a reality. In celebration of Global Running Day (June 4), America’s largest smoothie brand is going the extra mile (literally), launching a brand-new restaurant concept: the Run-Thru. It’s a window specifically for runners to jog up and order their post-run smoothie on foot.
The Run-Thru will be available for June 4 only at a single Smoothie King location in Richardson, Texas. If you’re like the rest of us, who only wish they could make a spontaneous, quick trip to the Lone Star State, no worries—Smoothie King is also offering a free watermelon hydration smoothie at all U.S. locations on Global Running Day.
(Unfortunately for Canadian readers, you’ll have to wait until Smoothie King expands north of the border.)
If you’re missing out on the smoothie festivities, there’s still a way to join the celebration: through a thirst-quenching Strava challenge. As the new official smoothie sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon (yes, you read that right), Smoothie King is awarding three limited-entry bibs for the 2025 race to runners who log the marathon distance (42.2 km / 26.2 miles) on Strava between June 1 and June 30. Winners will be selected at random.
With only two to three per cent of the 200,000+ NYC Marathon applicants accepted each year, this challenge offers a rare shot at toeing the start line of one of the world’s most iconic races.
In addition to a chance at a bib, all runners who complete the challenge will receive a US$3 app coupon and a free 20-oz. (590 mL) smoothie to celebrate.
Smoothie King is also using Global Running Day to launch its new Hydration smoothie category, designed to help runners recover, stay energized and beat the summer heat. Made with coconut water and packed with electrolytes, the smoothies align with Smoothie King’s Clean Blends commitment and its industry-leading No No List—a ban on over 75 ingredients, including artificial flavours, colours and high-fructose corn syrup.
