Adidas debuting RunBase format in Boston, with store on marathon’s finish line

Boston -- The Boston Marathon is getting its very own permanent store — and it will be located just steps from the finish line, on Boylston Street in Boston. The 2,000-sq.-ft. shop, dubbed Boston Marathon Run Base, is operated by athletic footwear giant Adidas and the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), organizer of the Boston Marathon, in partnership with Marathon Sports.



The store, set to open in mid-April, will sell premium Adidas footwear along with seasonal and official marathon apparel and accessories. Designed to celebrate the marathon 52 weeks a year, it will feature exhibits and historic photos from the past 119 years of the competition, including race bibs, medals, trophies and jackets. Stories related to the marathon’s history will rotate seasonally, with inspirational displays curated by the B.A.A. and drawn from the organization’s archives.



Adidas currently operates six RunBase stores around the globe, including Tokyo, London, and Moscow. Although Boston is the first U.S. site, several additional locations are in the works. (Adidas has said RunBase will play an important role in increasing its presence in key U.S. cities.)



Design: A large cast of a unicorn, an iconic symbol of the marathon, and a 10-ft. 3D topographic animated race map will greet Boston customers. Four interactive screens across the space will display key moments in race history along with an archive featuring every participant since the marathon’s inception. Interactive 3D gear cases with transparent touch screens will feature the latest Adidas footwear.



In addition, the space will include a changing room with lockers, allowing runners to use the facility as a base for informal runs. Showers also will be available.



“RunBase is a one-of-a-kind resource for runners based in and traveling to Boston,” said Mikal Peveto, global director of running innovation at Adidas. “Adidas is taking its partnership with the Boston Athletic Association to the next level with the help of Marathon Sports to let runners experience the best of our brand and the spirit of the greatest race year-round.”



RunBase will host events, workshops, seminars and clinics.