The ING New York City Marathon, now less than two weeks away, will attract more than 315 million viewers and spectators worldwide, all watching to see who will take home top honors.
Our friends at adidas are celebrating the event by honoring the memory of Grete Waitz (above photo), a nine-time NYC Marathon champion, Olympic silver medalist and former world record holder, with shoes inspired by her heritage and running career. One hundred percent of the profits from sales of the shoes will go to the Norwegian runner’s AKTIV Against Cancer Foundation.
Waitz founded the AKTIV Against Cancer Foundation in Oslo in 2007. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for  cancer patients by establishing training and recreational centers in cancer treating hospitals and motivating people to be physically active to prevent disease.
Waitz died of cancer in April 2011, after a six-year fight against the disease. She was 57.
Check out adidas’ designs (below), which display the colors of the Norwegian flag.
adiZero Adios 2 ($115)

adiZero Boston 3 ($110)

Supernova Glide 4 ($115)

The shoes honoring Waitz will be available at adidas’ NYC Marathon booth and at its sports performance store in SoHo. Runners can also pick up a slick looking “RUN NYC” graphic tee for $20.
Graphic Tees

Watch the video tribute to Grete Waitz (below), and get inspired to fight cancer and improve your running performance leading up to America’s biggest marathon.

Photos:  shopadidas.com