Adidas extends relationship with Boston Marathon

Adidas Group, the athletic footwear and apparel company, said it will be the official supplier and outfitter of the Boston Marathon through 2022 after signing a contract extension with the Boston Athletic Association, the marathon's organizer.

Adidas and the association are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their partnership this year. The 2009 marathon is set to run Monday.

"This year, adidas will again supply the coveted official Boston Marathon jacket and will outfit more than 10,000 race volunteers, media members, medical personnel, race officials and staff," Adidas said in a press release. "In addition, the extension expands on the adidas role to include exclusive rights to manufacture, distribute, promote and sell B.A.A. branded apparel."

“The Boston Marathon is the world’s most prestigious road race," Patrik Nilsson, president of Adidas America, said in a statement. "Runners of all levels travel to Boston each April to run, cheer or simply watch history being made. As a running brand it is the place to be.”

When Adidas first sponsored the Boston Marathon in 1989, the race had 6,458 entrants; this year it will have 26,400, Adidas noted in its press release.

At right is a photo of this year's official Boston Marathon jacket; it was provided by Adidas.

In 2006, Adidas bought Reebok International Ltd., a Canton-based company that also makes athletic footwear and apparel.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)