Boston Marathon: Adidas apologizes for congratulating those who ‘survived’

April 19 (UPI) — Adidas issued an apology after it sent an email congratulating those who “survived” Monday’s Boston Marathon.

The email’s subject read: “Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon.”

Social media critics stormed all platforms to call out the mistake, explaining that the wording of the email was insensitive after a bombing took place four years ago at the marathon.

Three people died and at least 260 people were injured in the April 15, 2013, bombing.

Adidas later apologized.

“We are incredibly sorry,” Adidas said in a statement. “Clearly, there was no thought given to the insensitive email subject line we sent Tuesday. We deeply apologize for our mistake. The Boston Marathon is one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world. Every year we’re reminded of the hope and resiliency of the running community at this event.”

Two bombs exploded near the finish line in 2013 near the finish line on Boylston Street.
Fatalities included 8-year-old Martin Richard of Dorchester, Mass., Krystle Campbell, 29, of Medford, Mass., and a Chinese national who was a student at Boston University.

Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lost his bid for a new trial in 2016 and was ordered to pay more than $100 million in restitution to victims and their relatives involved in the attack. His older brother and co-conspirator Tamerlan Tsarnaev died in a confrontation with police in the manhunt following the bombing.

The Kyrgyzstan-born bomber was convicted on 30 criminal counts in relation to the attack. In April 2016, he was convicted of 17 capital counts.

Kenyans Geoffrey Kirui and Edna Kiplagat swept the men’s and women’s titles in Monday’s 121st edition of the race. Kirui finished in 2:09:37. Galen Rupp was the first American finisher, with a time of 2:09:58 hours, 9 minutes, 58 seconds. Kiplagat scored a time of 2:21:52.