S.F.-based lodging service Airbnb's status as an official sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon is "turning out to be something of a pebble in the sneaker for many involved" with the race, according to Mary Pilon of the N.Y. TIMES. Even after Airbnb "aligning itself with one of the city’s most storied athletic events, the company is at loggerheads with the New York attorney general’s office and local hotels." A report issued last week by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman "challenged the notion that Airbnb was a boon to needy residents renting out their homes, and said that nearly three-quarters of all Airbnb rentals in the city were illegal." Pilon notes N.Y. Road Runners has relationships with "local law enforcement and the mayor’s office in the promotion and staging of the race," and despite the report, the group "has vigorously defended the partnership with Airbnb." NYRR VP/Media & PR Chris Weiller said, “This is not meant to be a replacement to hotels. It’s an alternative for runners." Race organizers declined to indicate "how much Airbnb paid for its sponsorship, which includes placing banner ads throughout the city tied to the race." However, Weiller said that the deal was "part of a broader effort by Road Runners to benefit runners and New Yorkers." Pilon writes the conflict "reflects the larger appeal Airbnb has had in the choices runners are making as they travel the world to compete in races, as well as a shift in the way people come and go for New York’s biggest events." Airbnb will have "cheer zones located throughout the course and provide runners with Airbnb stickers in their goody bags." The race also has "long lacked a mascot," but Airbnb has "created one of its own through its social media campaign, adding stick legs, arms, a headband and running shoes to its own logo" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/22).
