# Historical Running Shoe Partnerships The 261 Fearless Line Honors Marathon Runner Kathrine Switzer By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-05-06 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/261-fearless References: [footwearnews](http://footwearnews.com/2016/focus/athletic-outdoor/reebok-running-kathrine-switzer-boston-marathon-261-fearless-partnership-217855/) & [news.reebok](http://news.reebok.com/global/latest-news/reebok-partners-with-running-icon-kathrine-switzer/s/8680ea92-6432-466e-9851-9f3c6653de91) [Reebok](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/angel-reese) recently embarked on a partnership with iconic marathon runner Kathrine Switzer and her organization '261 Fearless.' Switzer made history when she defied regulations to become "the first woman to enter and race in a major US marathon." Now Reebok is celebrating the 50th anniversary of her historic run with a unique collaboration. As part of the new partnership, Reebok has dubbed Switzer a [brand ambassador](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-ambassador) that will help empower other women in running. Reebok will not only help support Switzer's non-profit foundation 261 Fearless, but it will also create a [special capsule collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-kodak) for the Spring 2017 season. The shoes will be inspired by Switzer's iconic running career and five percent of the net sales will be donated to the non-profit. The partnership between Reebok and Switzer demonstrates that brands are increasingly engaging with female athletes as a way to connect with and empower women. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Female Athlete Empowerment:** Partnerships between brands and female athletes are a growing trend as a means to connect with and empower women. - **Collaborative Non-profit Initiatives:** Brands are partnering with non-profit organizations to create special collections and donate a portion of sales, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities for collaboration and social impact. - **Historical Anniversary Celebrations:** Brands are leveraging historic milestones as occasions for special collaborations and limited-edition collections, allowing for unique storytelling opportunities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sportswear:** The sportswear industry can explore partnerships with female athletes and non-profits to create empowering and socially impactful collections. - **Non-profit:** Non-profit organizations can collaborate with brands to create special collections, raising awareness and funds for their causes. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising professionals can leverage historical milestones to create unique collaborations that resonate with consumers and drive brand engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nostalgic Timeless Sports Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-anine-bing.md) - [Empowering Female Apparel Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/empowering-female-apparel-initiatives.md) - [Women’s Running Shoe Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saysh-by-allyson-felix.md) - [Compression-Focused Running Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motiv-sports.md) - [Heritage Streetwear Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-obey.md) - [Athletic Archive Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooks-partners-with-jeff-staple.md) - [Performance-Inspired Fashion Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-white-mountaineering1.md) - [Vintage-Inspired Apparel Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-kodak.md) - [Co-Branded Marathon Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marathon-series.md)