In 1966, a suffocating barrier stood between women and the boundless freedom of the marathon. The prevailing belief, steeped in prejudice, dictated that their bodies were incapable of enduring such a distance. How can you prove your strength when denied the very chance to try? How can you unearth your potential when the starting line is perpetually out of reach? This was the agonizing reality for countless aspiring female athletes. Yet, within this restrictive climate, flickers of defiance ignited. Bobbi Gibb, a name now etched in history, bravely ran the Boston Marathon unofficially, a silent yet powerful testament to the untapped capabilities of women. It wasn't until 1972 that the hallowed race officially welcomed women to its starting line, a victory hard-won and long overdue.

The year 1967 brought another pivotal moment, one that seared itself into the collective consciousness of the running world. Kathrine Switzer, cleverly navigating the application process with her initials, dared to pin on a race number and take her place among the runners. The now-iconic images of race director Jock Semple's furious attempt to physically remove her became a galvanizing force, exposing the deep-seated bias that permeated the sport. These stories, alongside tales like Ellison "Tarzan" Brown's barefoot resilience in 1935, are not just relics of a prejudiced past. They are potent reminders of the unwavering human spirit, the relentless pursuit of passion in the face of adversity. They are the very threads that weave the rich tapestry of running culture, a narrative that continues to inspire and propel the modern runner forward, especially within the charged atmosphere of the Boston Marathon.

This inherent spirit of evolution, of breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, finds its contemporary embodiment in the adidas adidas Adizero Evo SL and Adizero Prime X 2.0 Strung. To capture this essence, we juxtaposed a vintage look and feel with modern clips of Mikella Lefebvre-Oatis, a former UCLA track athlete, against the iconic backdrop of Boston. Through the lens, we sought to translate the feeling of solitary freedom that defines the runner's experience – the vast expanse of possibility that opens up with each stride. Mikella, a testament to the dedication and power of today's athlete, moved through the city, the EVO seamlessly blending performance and style, a visual representation of how far the sport has come. The images evoke the quiet strength found in those moments of individual pursuit, echoing the silent determination of those who ran before, paving the way for today's generation.

The evolution of the sport can be seen in the way that we celebrate the success of the runners but also in the design of the product created specifically for runners. The adidas Adizero Evo SL is more than just a running shoe; it carries within its design the echoes of past struggles and triumphs, the unwavering spirit of those who dared to challenge the status quo. Inspired by the innovation of record-breaking shoes in the Adizero running family - and specifically the Pro Evo 1 - the Evo SL is designed for you to run in it, or not. Combining Adizero technology with a bold and unique racing-inspired aesthetic, it's an evolution of speed in all aspects of life. A responsive layer of LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole provides comfort and cushioning for optimal energy return.

Built with innovative technology and designed without the constraints of world race regulations, the Prime X 2 Strung offers more performance-driven features in a single race shoe. It's constructed with a STRUNG upper, a textile innovation that transforms athlete data into a dynamic material tuned to the athlete's needs. 

The Boston Marathon is steeped in tradition, and one widely held superstition dictates that the coveted finisher's jacket should never be worn before crossing the finish line. It's a mark of respect for the challenge ahead. However, in a thoughtful nod to the pioneering women who defied expectations and shattered limitations, and with a playful twist on the classic Marathon Monday, we're introducing a unique element to the marathon festivities. To commemorate the occasion, we’re celebrating Marathon Weekend at CNCPTS BOS with custom bib number embroidery. With any purchase of the adidas Adizero Evo SL and Adizero Prime X 2.0 Strung or presentation of your Boston Marathon bib number, receive an adidas apparel item with complimentary embroidery of your bib number. Only available from April 18-19 from 12-7pm ET, while supplies last.

The adidas Adizero Evo SL and Adizero Prime X 2.0 Strung are available now to purchase at CNCPTS stores and on cncpts.com.