Mercedes-AMG has announced a new record-breaking partnership with sportswear brand Adidas. Quite literally record-breaking, for both brands.
Adidas is already an Official Team Partner with the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport division (which includes Formula 1). But the latest announcement centres around two specific achievements: one with an EV and the other with some special shoes.
We've already reported on the 25 records set by the Concept AMG GT XX electric vehicle (EV) at the Nardo test track in Italy last month, including a distance of 40,075km driven in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 7 seconds.
But within hours of that programme finishing, also at Nardo, Sibusiso Kubheka became the first person to complete a 100km run in under six hours (5:59:20h). Five competing athletes wore specially designed Adidas footwear and apparel, engineered and tailored to each individual.
“Chasing 100 is just the first example of our shared ambition to push the limits of speed through innovation," says Alasdhair Willis, chief creative officer at Adidas. "At Adidas we set out to push these boundaries with a bold challenge: to run the fastest-ever 100 km.
"Five runners were supported with bespoke head-to-toe footwear and apparel with the latest in speed and cooling innovation. This included the adidas Adizero Evo Prime X: specifically designed and tailored individually to each athlete.
"Together with Mercedes-AMG, we’re showing what’s possible when a team of radical dreamers come together and make history through technology, power and athletic prowess.”
Adidas Adizero X Mercedes-AMG launch
To coincide with the record attempt, Mercedes-AMG and adidas have launched a sports bag made from Labfiber Biotech leather alternative – also used in the interior of the Concept AMG GT XX.
The material is a combination of recycled rubber, vegetable proteins and biopolymers, mimicking leather characteristics.
The limited production run is already dedicated to "specific initiatives" say the companies - which we assume means you can't buy one.
Additionally, Mercedes-AMG and Adidas are releasing a limited-edition collection of six running shoes in a black-and-red colourway.
It includes the Adizero Adios Pro 4, Adizero Ambition, Adizero Avanti and Adizero Prime SP4, alongside the Adizero Prime X 3 Strung and Adizero Evo SL. Not currently listed by Adidas NZ, but they're out there in global markets.