Nike Removes Controversial Boston Billboard After Backlash

Nike removed a controversial billboard from its flagship store in Boston on Friday, following widespread online backlash over its message that appeared to exclude walkers ahead of the city's prestigious marathon on Monday.

The sign, displayed outside the Newbury Street location near the marathon finish line, read "Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated." It was part of a series of advertisements Nike put up during race week to motivate participants in the Boston Marathon, one of the world's most competitive endurance events. The company intended the messaging to highlight the race's elite standards, which require runners to post fast qualifying times from previous marathons to enter. For instance, men aged 18 to 34 must finish under 2 hours and 55 minutes, while women in the same group need to complete the distance in under 3 hours and 25 minutes. About 90 percent of entrants meet these criteria, with the remaining spots allocated through charity programs.

Criticism erupted quickly on social media, with hundreds of posts accusing the ad of "pace shaming" and alienating runners who incorporate walking into their strategy due to fatigue, injury, or disability. Robyn Michaud, a...