In perhaps the first of its kind program in run specialty, Marathon Sports, the New England-based run specialty retailer, and Diadora have initiated an Name, Image Likeness (NIL) partnership for high school athletes. In celebration of the launch of Diadora’s new Mezzofondo mid-distance spike, the two brands will offer NIL contracts of $40,000 to the first male high school runner to break four minutes for the mile, and for the first female high school runner to break 4:35 for the mile wearing the Mezzofondo over the course of the 2025-2026 indoor track season. 

“Based on the data we’ve seen in our lab and feedback from our athletes, we truly believe that the Mezzofondo is the fastest distance spike in the world.  That’s why we wanted to partner with Marathon Sports to put together a one-of-a-kind program that could reward some top high school milers with an incredible NIL opportunity” says Bryan Poerner, Diadora USA president and CEO.

“Diadora’s tradition in track and field is storied and authentic and the Mezzofondo spike represents the next evolution of that legacy,” adds Marathon Sports president Ben Cooke. “Marathon Sports has been steadily increasing its investment in scholastic running through signature events and direct support of athletes via NIL and this program marks the next phase of that commitment.

“Creating moments like this – where tradition, innovation and opportunity intersect – is exactly how we want to show up and support our sport. We can't wait to see what athletes do in this shoe,” Cooke adds.

Designed and developed in the Run Valley in Caerano di San Marco, and tested with Diadora’s athletes, Mezzofondo has been engineered to maximize speed and endurance. Powered by a full-length carbon-filled plate and ultra-responsive ANIMA PBX compound, Mezzofondo delivers four percent more energy return than other leading distance spikes.