Overview
- Nike removed a Newbury Street storefront sign and said it “missed the mark,” pledging to do better with inclusive messaging.
- The poster read “Runners welcome, walkers tolerated” and went up during Boston Marathon race week near the course finish area.
- Many runners objected to the word “tolerated,” noting that walking during a 26.2‑mile race is common and sometimes part of a training plan.
- Some in the running community defended the line as tailored to Boston’s performance culture, which prizes speed and qualification standards.
- Recent entry bars cited in coverage underscore that culture, with examples around 2:55 for men 18–34 and 3:25 for women in that same group.