ATHLETICS: Sportswear giant Adidas has apologised for sending a marketing email praising customers who had "survived" this year's Boston Marathon.

Following the email encouraging people to buy clothes to commemorate their race day experience, customers reminded the company on social media about the genuine survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Three people were killed and more than 260 wounded when two bombs exploded near the finish line.

At least two survivors of the bombing competed in this year's race, one being Boston Police Commissioner William Evans.

Adidas quickly apologised for the gaffe, saying it was "incredibly sorry" for the "insensitive" subject line about the race.

The company also said the marathon is "one of the most inspirational sporting events in the world".