Runners Buy Marathon Merch Despite Disliking Designs

Reporting on October 8, 2026, described New Balance's 2026 New York City Marathon merchandise line, which began arriving in September. A separate Finisher Collection launched October 8, and limited-edition Five-Borough merchandise was planned for race weekend. New Balance running apparel product manager Emily Grady said marathon gear is an emotional purchase, while VP of Running Kevin Fitzpatrick called apparel a tangible reminder of the journey to the finish line. The report noted that past designs drew runner criticism, citing Chicago's 2025 participant shirt and Adidas's 2014 Boston Celebration Jacket. The coverage offered no sales figures or data on how many runners purchased items they disliked, and it did not quantify the criticism of the earlier designs.